By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 28 April 2026 - Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju is edging back into active politics in Siaya County after years of relative silence.
He has been concentrating more on running his business errands. Now back to politics.
On Monday, Tuju revealed, he is carefully weighing his next move in Siaya County’s increasingly heated 2027 succession contest — whether to run for MP, governor, and even on which political party ticket.
Tuju, who remains a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and is politically aligned to the camp of Siaya Governor James Orengo, the self proclaimed "ODM peoples party leader."
Orengo is leading the chorus of Linda Mwananchi ODM faction where he and ODM secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi MP Babu Owino , Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi are the leading luminaries.
He says his return is already in motion, but insists he will not rush into declaring a seat or locking himself into a fixed political direction.
In a candid reflection on his comeback, Tuju said:
“I am still consulting widely and weighing options. But I am not a coward. I will go for what they eventually settle on as good.''
He asserted"I want the decision to be people-driven because they hold sway and will lead the campaigns, as sovereign power belongs to the people.”
Tuju noted that gratitude for his survival and recovery has reshaped his outlook on politics and public life, saying he thanks God for his life and considers his return a matter of service rather than personal drive.
“I thank God for my life. It has not been easy. I am back into active politics, but I have not yet decreed which seat I will be seeking in 2027 and on which party ticket. I will return to where voters tell me,” he said.
Tuju’s re-emergence comes at a time when Siaya politics is entering an early but intense succession phase.
Governor Orengo, a veteran politician associated with the ODM’s “Linda Mwananchi” (protect the citizen) political posture, remains a central force in county politics.
Although speculation continues over his future ambitions beyond the county level with already flaring round the political discourse that he may opt to run for President in 2027 General Elections.
Tuju’s alignment with Orengo’s political camp places him within ODM’s dominant structure in the region, as he continues to consult widely on his political fortunes.
But his ambiguous positioning now oscillates between Rarieda parliamentary ambitions and a possible gubernatorial bid — is already stirring debate among voters and political players.
In Rarieda and wider Siaya, different groups are already lobbying him in different directions.
Some constituents are urging him to return to the parliamentary seat he once held, arguing that his experience would stabilise local leadership.
Others are pushing him to contest the governor’s seat, citing his national profile and administrative experience.
If he decides to go for the governor seat, his possible return adds fresh complexity to an already crowded race.
Former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo from his electoral turf or base has already declared interest in the Siaya gubernatorial seat, positioning himself as a key contender with strong regional roots.
More from Kenya
At the same time, Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode is also in the race, creating a scenario where multiple aspirants from the same Rarieda political base may end up splitting support.
Meanwhile, Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol has officially declared his bid to challenge Orengo for the governor’s seat, promising to prioritise health, food security, and empowerment of youth and women.
He has also confirmed interest in the ODM party ticket, setting the stage for a competitive nomination battle.
Political observers say Tuju’s entry — if formalised — could significantly reshape ODM’s internal calculations in Siaya.
His national experience, combined with his local roots, may appeal to both grassroots voters and party structures.
However, questions remain about his health history and long absence from elective politics, factors that could influence both voter perception and party strategy.
For now, Tuju maintains that his political future will be determined through consultation, persuasion, and community consensus rather than personal declaration.
'I am not a coward or afraid. Whatever it is, I will honour the verdict of the people. In the meantime, I am still listening to iwide views and varied opinions to weigh in.''
But his return to active politics is now confirmed in principle thus erasing rumours that he had quit active politics for good in favour of business. He promised to balance the two engagements
Politics and business, Tuju noted, go together because politics sets the laws and policies that guide economic activity, while business drives growth, jobs, and revenue that support national stability.
Each influences the other: government decisions affect business success, and business performance shapes political outcomes.
When balanced well, they reinforce development; when mismanaged, they can distort fairness and progress.
This interdependence means the two cannot be fully separated. When aligned well, politics provides an enabling environment for enterprise, and business fuels economic growth that supports political stability.
But arguably, the balance must be managed carefully to avoid excessive influence where business interests override public good or where politics stifles economic freedom.
However, the exact seat he wants, timing, and even final political alignment remain deliberately open, as Siaya’s succession race gathers momentum both for Governor seat and Rarieda Constituency.
Rarieda Parliamentary seat, is currently held by ODM Vice Chairperson Dr Otiende Amollo. He has also welcomed any aspirant seeking to contest for the seat, saying it's their democratic right. "I am prepared.''
Although, this is not yet the express seat Tuju is eyeing or aiming at even as some of the Rarieda constituents would want him to return there.
"This is why I am still consulting widely, there are even those asking me to go for the Senate. All these options remain open on the table,'' Tuju said, saying he faces a tough balancing decision, but he will tilt.
The former Foreign Affairs Minister told the press in a brief and candid interview, “I want to lean in to hear the conversation better.”