The long-running legal battle involving former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju and his Karen property has taken a dramatic turn after he accused a judge of demanding a bribe.
Tuju recently wrote to Chief Justice Martha Koome, raising serious concerns about alleged corruption linked to the court proceedings surrounding the dispute.
According to Tuju, intermediaries connected to the case approached him with a request for KSh10 million, claiming the money would help secure a favorable judgment in the matter.
The explosive allegation has now pushed the high-profile property dispute into the national spotlight.
The Multi-Billion Shilling Karen Property
At the heart of the controversy is a valuable property located in the affluent Karen suburb of Nairobi.
The land hosts several high-end establishments connected to Tuju’s company Dari Limited, including hospitality and wellness businesses.
Years ago, Dari Limited secured a large loan from the East African Development Bank to finance the expansion of these ventures.
However, financial difficulties later emerged, leading to delays in loan repayments.
As interest and penalties accumulated over time, the total amount owed reportedly ballooned to billions of shillings, setting the stage for a fierce legal dispute between Tuju and the lender.
Disputed Auction Sparks Legal Battle
When the loan reportedly fell into default, the lender moved to recover its funds by auctioning the Karen property that had been used as collateral.
This decision triggered a series of court cases as Tuju challenged the legality of the auction.
He argued that the property sale violated court orders that had temporarily halted the process.
Tuju insists that because the sale occurred while the dispute was still being determined in court, the transaction should be considered invalid.
However, individuals who claim to have purchased the property argue that the auction was conducted lawfully and that they are entitled to take possession.
Tuju Raises Alarm Over Alleged Bribe Demand
The case has now become even more controversial following Tuju’s letter to Chief Justice Martha Koome.
In the letter, Tuju claims that individuals linked to the case allegedly asked him to pay KSh10 million to influence the outcome of the court proceedings.
Such allegations, if proven, would represent a serious breach of judicial integrity.
Tuju has therefore urged the Judiciary leadership to investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure that the legal process remains transparent and fair.
Investigators Step In
The bribery allegations have reportedly attracted the attention of anti-corruption investigators.
Authorities are said to be examining whether any individuals attempted to manipulate the judicial process by soliciting money from parties involved in the case.
Reports suggest that investigators have already questioned several suspects, including legal professionals believed to have been connected to the alleged bribery scheme.
The outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching consequences.
A Case That Has Captured National Interest
The Tuju Karen property dispute has become one of Kenya’s most widely discussed legal battles for several reasons.
First, the case involves billions of shillings and prime real estate in one of Nairobi’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
Second, the dispute centers on a prominent political figure who previously served in senior government positions.
Third, the bribery allegations now surrounding the case raise broader concerns about corruption and accountability within the justice system.
What Lies Ahead
As the legal battle continues, the fate of the Karen property remains uncertain.
Courts will need to determine whether the auction was conducted legally and whether the ownership transfer should stand.
At the same time, investigators are expected to continue examining the bribery claims raised by Tuju.
For now, the dispute remains unresolved, but one thing is clear: the Karen property saga is far from over.
