Tuju taken in by police after resurfacing, lawyers say he was roughed up
Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju addressing journalists at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) offices in Nairobi on March 25, 2025, after delivering what he termed a dossier on Supreme Court Judges to EACC.
Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju was whisked away by police and driven to Karen Police Station to record a statement after he resurfaced on Monday afternoon. He had been reported missing alongside his driver Steve Mwanga on Saturday.
After he was taken from his home, his lawyers alleged he was manhandled and injured in the process, demanding he be taken to Karen Hospital for treatment.
Former Attorney-General Justin Muturi and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa were roughed up by police as they entered the police station to check on Tuju.
Earlier, while speaking to the media on Monday afternoon, Tuju revealed that he abandoned his car in Karen on Saturday and went into hiding after realising he was being trailed by unknown people.
"The vehicle didn't have plate numbers," he said.
He revealed he was driving when he noticed the cars were following him, and that he escaped them by turning into a road in Karen that made it hard for them to pursue him.
"Fortunately, I know Karen well. I branched into Nandi Road...that's how I lost them."
He thanked a family in Kiambu for sheltering him during the period he was reported missing.
"I consider myself blessed. I know Cyrus Jirongo died. I know Albert Ojwang was killed...Gaitho was abducted at Karen Police Station where he sought safety," he said while explaining why he disappeared from public view and did not seek police help.
"I want to thank Kalonzo Musyoka, Justin Muturi and Eugene Wamalwa for being in solidarity with me."
Mr Mwanga, who was also at the press conference, said: "Mheshimiwa (Tuju) was the one driving. I'm traumatised. I don't want to describe what happened. It's a very bad state we are in."
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ODM leaders show concern for Tuju
Earlier, leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have called on the government to speed up the investigation into the reported disappearance of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, who went missing on Saturday evening in unclear circumstances.
Speaking at his installation as a Luo elder in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya, Senator Oburu Oginga described the incident as deeply unsettling and warned that delays could tarnish Kenya’s image.
“I would like to ask the government to investigate quickly and inform us of what has happened to our son. This does not present us in a positive light as a country,” he said.
Dr Oginga added that the disappearance was troubling and urged security agencies to act urgently to establish Mr Tuju’s whereabouts.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo expressed concern that the initial details of the case were disturbing.
“We are praying that Mr Tuju is safe, and we urge the police to do everything in their power to find him and keep him safe,” he said.
Nyando MP Jared Okelo called for high-level intervention, appealing to senior government leaders to take charge of the matter.
“Dr Oburu, please talk to the President so that he can direct the DCI to act. The President has the power to bring Mr Tuju back to us alive,” he said.
Meanwhile, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi cautioned against unlawful actions in ongoing disputes, suggesting that the incident may be linked to commercial disagreements over property.
“Commercial disputes should not be resolved unlawfully. The people after Tuju’s property are the same people after Miwani and Koguta land in Kisumu,” he said.
On Sunday, Mr Tuju’s lawyer, Paul Nyamondi, confirmed that a missing person report had been filed at Karen Police Station. He noted that Mr Tuju’s phones had been switched off since Saturday night — an unusual occurrence — and that he had failed to appear for a scheduled radio interview.
His vehicle was later found abandoned on Miotoni Lane in Karen, after which it was towed to Karen Police Station. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have begun a forensic analysis of the vehicle.
In a statement, the DCI confirmed that it had launched an investigation into Mr Tuju's disappearance and deployed a specialised team to establish the circumstances. The agency stated that attempts to contact Mr Tuju had been unsuccessful, and appealed to the public for any information that could assist in locating him.
However, investigators cited challenges in accessing key areas, revealing that attempts to enter Mr Tuju’s residence had been denied by the family. They urged full cooperation to facilitate a swift and thorough inquiry.
Former Cabinet Secretary and presidential hopeful Eliud Owalo also expressed concern, calling for urgent and coordinated investigations.
“Under the Constitution of Kenya, the State has a duty to protect the life, liberty and security of every person. I urge the National Police Service to act with the utmost urgency, keep the family informed, and take all necessary lawful steps to establish Hon. Tuju’s whereabouts and ensure his safety,” said Mr Owalo.
He also appealed to members of the public with any useful information to come forward and help the investigators.
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