Raphael Tuju was born on March 30, 1959, in Kenya. He is 66 years old as of 2025.

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He grew up in Siaya County and attended Majiwa Primary School and Nakuru West Primary School. Later, he joined Starehe Boys’ Centre and School, one of Kenya’s top institutions. He continued his studies in the United Kingdom, earning a Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication from the University of Leicester.

Tuju began his career in media. He worked as a news anchor for Voice of Kenya, now known as Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. He also produced documentaries and commercials for international agencies. His work in media earned him global recognition. He became the first African TV producer to win an International Emmy Award for a health and development documentary.

In 2002, Tuju entered politics. He was elected Member of Parliament for Rarieda Constituency under the NARC coalition. He served until 2007. During his time in office, he held key ministerial positions. These included Minister of Information and Communications and later Minister of Foreign Affairs. He focused on improving communication systems and promoting Kenya’s image abroad.

Tuju continued to serve in government after leaving Parliament. He became the Secretary General of the Jubilee Party, where he played a major role in organizing political campaigns. He worked closely with President Uhuru Kenyatta and helped shape party strategy. He also served as an advisor on Cabinet Affairs, offering guidance on national governance.

Outside politics, Tuju has worked in real estate and communication consultancy. He has written newspaper columns and contributed to public discussions. His career blends media, business, and public service.

Tuju is divorced and has three children. In 2020, he survived a serious car accident near Kijabe. Despite the injuries, he recovered and returned to work.

Today, Raphael Tuju is known for his leadership, resilience, and ability to bridge media and politics. His journey from journalism to high-level government roles shows his dedication to public service and national development.

Raphael Tuju Early Life and Background

Raphael Tuju was born on March 30, 1959, in Kenya. His early years were spent in Siaya County, a region that is often politically significant in Kenyan politics. His upbringing instilled in him a foundational understanding of both rural life and the national challenges facing Kenya. Tuju’s early education was conducted in various institutions across the country, starting at Majiwa Primary School and Nakuru West Primary School. This geographical mobility hinted at the diverse career he would eventually pursue. He then attended the highly regarded Starehe Boys’ Centre and School for his secondary education. Starehe is renowned for its academic rigor and focus on holistic character development, shaping Tuju’s discipline and commitment to public duty. Tuju’s family had personal ties that demonstrated strong community support; his mother was raised by a family friend after being orphaned, highlighting a deep, early connection to communal responsibility. These foundational experiences prepared him not only for a career in media and international communication but also for the volatile demands of Kenyan politics, where a strong personal background is crucial to public acceptance.

Raphael Tuju Education

Raphael Tuju’s formal education is distinguished by his specialization in mass communication, a field that directly underpinned his later success as a political strategist and media expert. He earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Mass Communication from the University of Leicester, UK. This postgraduate specialization was instrumental in refining his skills in media analysis, political communication, and public relations—abilities that would become his most effective political tools. His academic focus on media, communication, and development gave him a sophisticated understanding of how to shape public narratives and implement public communication programs. This was crucial for his later consulting work for major international bodies like the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO). Tuju’s blend of practical journalistic experience and advanced theoretical knowledge from the University of Leicester differentiated him from many of his political contemporaries, positioning him as a modern Kenyan politics figure capable of managing complex, high-stakes political messaging, which was a clear advantage during his time as Secretary General of the Jubilee Party.

Raphael Tuju Career in Media and Journalism

Before stepping into the political arena, Raphael Tuju was a celebrated figure in Kenyan media, a career that laid the essential foundation for his transition into a political strategist. He gained prominence working as a news anchor and journalist for the Voice of Kenya (VOK), which later became the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), and the Kenya Television Network (KTN) in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His work extended far beyond the news desk; he was a prolific producer and director of television and radio commercials, and most significantly, produced documentaries on health and development. These often focused on critical public issues like HIV/AIDS and gender empowerment. His media work was recognized globally when he earned the distinction of being the First African TV producer to win an International Emmy Award for one of his productions. This Emmy Award elevated his profile and credibility, demonstrating his commitment to high-quality mass communication aimed at human development, a distinction that few Kenyan politics figures can claim. He leveraged this expertise to found Ace Communications in 1992, running it successfully until 2001.

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Raphael Tuju Entry into Politics

Raphael Tuju’s formal entry into politics occurred in 2002, a critical juncture in Kenyan politics marked by a transition of power. He successfully contested and was elected Member of Parliament for Rarieda Constituency under the NARC coalition banner. This move from the world of international communication to the political field was significant, establishing his ambition to implement development policies directly. His time in Parliament, which lasted until 2007, was impactful within his constituency, where he oversaw the implementation of essential projects like water supply and the innovative introduction of a mobile hospital. Following the NARC coalition’s victory, Tuju quickly rose to prominent ministerial roles. He was appointed Minister of Information and Communications and Minister for Tourism and Wildlife in 2003. In a cabinet reshuffle in 2005, he was appointed the Minister of Foreign Affairs. His experience in these diverse dockets, particularly in foreign policy and media liberalization, highlighted his strategic versatility and prepared him for his later influential roles in national governance.

Raphael Tuju Political Achievements and Roles

Raphael Tuju’s influence as a political strategist grew exponentially when he joined the Jubilee Party. He was appointed Secretary General of the Jubilee Party in 2017, a position he held with immense authority throughout the second term of President Uhuru Kenyatta‘s administration. This role was central to the party’s operations, making him a key figure in Kenyan politics. He was tasked with the delicate and often controversial responsibility of managing internal party affairs and bridging political divides, especially in the wake of the 2018 political truce, known as the “Handshake,” between Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga. His close proximity to the presidency was formalized when he was named Cabinet Secretary without Portfolio in 2018 and later served as the Advisor to the President on Cabinet Affairs. His primary political achievements and roles during this time involved maintaining the party’s strategic direction and providing high-level counsel on national cohesion, media strategy, and diversity, leveraging his expertise in mass communication to manage complex political narratives during periods of intense national friction.

Raphael Tuju Public Service and Leadership

Tuju’s dedication to public service and leadership is characterized by his multi-faceted advisory and policy roles in government. Beyond his Cabinet post, he served as Advisor to the President on Cabinet Affairs and specialized on matters of media and diversity management. His counsel extended across policy development and national governance, particularly during sensitive periods that required deft communication. Even after losing his parliamentary seat, he continued to serve the nation as a Presidential Advisor and Special Envoy between 2008 and 2011. This sustained commitment underscores his position as a dedicated civil servant, rather than just an elective official. His work was officially recognized when he was awarded the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH) by former President Mwai Kibaki, Kenya’s second-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to health, human development, and public service. His ability to move seamlessly between media consultancy, diplomatic roles, and core political strategy cemented his reputation as a respected and resilient figure in Kenyan politics focused on advocating for unity and development.

Raphael Tuju Personal Life

Raphael Tuju’s personal life has been marked by both familial milestones and significant challenges that tested his resilience. He was formerly married to Ruth Akinyi, and the couple had three children: two daughters and a son. The challenges in his personal life, including his eventual divorce in 2013, were often subject to intense media scrutiny, given his high-profile position in Kenyan politics. He is also known for having survived two serious, life-threatening incidents. The first was a plane crash in 2003, and the second was a harrowing serious road accident in 2020 near the Kijabe Mission Hospital area, while he was traveling to attend the burial of former President Daniel arap Moi. The accident left him with severe injuries, requiring extended treatment abroad and a long recovery period. His triumphant recovery and return to public duty showcased the commitment to public duty and personal strength he is known for, further shaping the public’s perception of his enduring resilience.

Raphael Tuju Legacy and Impact

Raphael Tuju’s legacy and impact on Kenyan politics are defined by his unique ability to merge media expertise with political strategy. He demonstrated how a background in mass communication could be a powerful tool in political leadership, profoundly influencing the nation’s political communication landscape during critical national moments. His establishment of Ace Communications and his international recognition, including the Emmy Award, created a blueprint for high-level communications consulting in the region. Politically, he is remembered for his strategic, albeit controversial, role as Secretary General of the Jubilee Party under Uhuru Kenyatta, where he was instrumental in party messaging and managing internal dissent. He continues to shape public discourse and governance through his advisory roles and is often studied as a case of a professional achieving high political office without relying solely on a continuous elective mandate. Tuju’s longevity and ability to remain relevant across different administrations and political alignments underscore his skill as a formidable political strategist and national operator.

Raphael Tuju Age (The Verified Birth Year and Current Status)

Raphael Tuju Age is 66 years. He was born on March 30, 1959.

Raphael Tuju Wife (Ruth Akinyi and Marital History)

Raphael Tuju Wife was Ruth Akinyi. They were married for several years before separating. Together, they had three children. Their relationship was part of Tuju’s personal life, which he kept mostly private while focusing on his public career.

Raphael Tuju Children (Family Details and Offspring)

Raphael Tuju Children: He has three children. They were born during his marriage to Ruth Akinyi. Tuju has kept details about his children private, focusing public attention on his career in media and politics.

Raphael Tuju Parents (Family Background and Influence)

Raphael Tuju Parents: Their names have not been publicly disclosed.
Tuju has kept details about his parents private. Most public records and biographies focus on his education, career, and political life. While he often speaks about his upbringing in Siaya County, he rarely mentions his parents by name.

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Raphael Tuju Current Position (Role in Politics and Public Service)

Raphael Tuju He is no longer holding any official government or party role.
After resigning as Jubilee Party Secretary-General, Tuju chose not to return to elective politics or accept a role in President William Ruto’s administration. Instead, he now focuses on promoting peaceful dialogue, constitutional reforms, and private initiatives. He also made a symbolic return to television in 2025 as a guest anchor for KTN’s 35th anniversary broadcast.

Raphael Tuju Profile Table (Quick Facts and Data Overview)

Profile	Information
Raphael Tuju career	Politician (MP Rarieda, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Secretary without Portfolio); Secretary General of the Jubilee Party; Journalist; First African International Emmy Award Winner (TV Producer).
Raphael Tuju real name	Raphael Tuju
Raphael Tuju age	66 (as of October 31, 2025)
Raphael Tuju date of birth	March 30, 1959
Raphael Tuju net worth	Not known (Business activities have faced financial turmoil; an estimated asset value of his company, Dari Ltd., was Sh3.5 billion in 2020, but was subject to a major debt dispute.)
Raphael Tuju wife / spouse	Formerly married to Ruth Akinyi (divorced 2013)
Raphael Tuju children	3 (two daughters and one son)
Raphael Tuju parents	Mother: Not explicitly named (was orphaned and raised by family friends); Father: Not explicitly named
Raphael Tuju religion	Not known (Publicly associated with Christian events and institutions, but specific denomination not stated.)
Raphael Tuju state of origin	Siaya County, Kenya
Raphael Tuju alma mater	University of Leicester, UK
Raphael Tuju education	Master of Arts (MA) in Mass Communication; Starehe Boys’ Centre and School (secondary education).
Raphael Tuju nationality	Kenyan