By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 15 July 2026 — Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju left behind the comfort of his luxury vehicle on Tuesday and walked through the busy streets of Kisumu, stopping to greet traders, boda boda riders, jua kali artisans and jobless youth in a symbolic tour that challenged what he called the city's unfair portrayal as a hotbed of violence.
The veteran politician, who is weighing a return to elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election, later boarded a public service matatu to Ndori in Siaya County, saying he wanted to experience the mood on the ground and hear directly from ordinary Kenyans.
"I am here walking and talking to our people. They are okay. They are peaceful, just busy trying to eke a living. That's the spirit," Tuju told reporters after interacting with residents for several hours.
He dismissed narratives that have painted the lakeside city as unsafe following recent political confrontations.
"Kisumu is peaceful. People are working and doing business uninterrupted. This is an investment hub and that is how it should be known, not as a city of goons," he said.
Tuju's walk took him through the Jua Kali area, Aga Khan Road, Kisumu Boys Road and eventually to the Bondo-Siaya bus stage, where crowds grew steadily as residents recognised him and stopped to shake his hand, exchange greetings and take photographs.
Many abandoned their errands to accompany him, chanting his name while engaging him in conversations about the economy, jobs and the cost of living.
Johnson Owino, one of the residents who walked alongside the former minister, urged him to continue interacting freely with local people.
"You are a son of the soil. Walk at will, brother. Makisumbu. Walk. This is your home city," Owino told him as bystanders applauded.
Kennedy Onyango echoed the sentiment, saying Tuju should never hesitate to return to the streets where many residents still remembered him.
"We are happy to see you walking with us instead of driving past us. Feel free to greet the people and engage them at ease. This is your home," Onyango said.
Tuju said the conversations he held with residents revealed a common concern over unemployment, particularly among young people.
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"The biggest challenge is unemployment. Government must address it because without jobs we cannot expect lasting stability or economic growth," he said.
He argued that attracting investment and supporting businesses would create opportunities for young people while reducing social frustrations.
The former Cabinet Secretary also expressed concern over the recent disruption of a church service in Kisumu by individuals described as goons, saying such incidents risk damaging the city's reputation and investor confidence.
"Those attacks were a major democratic setback. We must protect our democratic space and ensure adequate security so that business, tourism and investment can thrive," he said.
He urged authorities to safeguard law and order, saying peace remained one of Kisumu's greatest economic assets.
Although Tuju declined to announce his political plans, his appearance is expected to fuel speculation that he is preparing for a comeback. He has previously indicated he is considering contesting either the Siaya governorship or returning to Parliament as Rarieda MP in 2027, saying he will make a final decision after consulting widely.
For political observers, however, Tuesday's street walk carried a message beyond symbolism.
By exchanging his Prado for a matatu ride and spending hours listening to ordinary wananchi, Tuju sought to project himself as a leader reconnecting with the grassroots while challenging perceptions of a city he insists should be recognised for enterprise, resilience and opportunity rather than political unrest.
Tuju Urges Kisumu Residents to Keep the Peace Mojo Alive Amid 2027 Political Buzz
Former Rarieda MP Raphael Tuju urges Kisumu residents to stay calm and avoid violence or unrest, even as political activities and campaigning for the 2027 General Election begin to intensify.