Former Kenyan Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju faces arrest after police accused him of staging his own disappearance. The arrest came one day after his family reported him missing, sparking widespread fears of an abduction. Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin announced at a press conference that Tuju had remained inside his residence throughout the ordeal. Amin described the incident as a carefully staged disappearance rather than a genuine case of abduction.
Just before his arrest, Tuju told local station Citizen TV that he went into hiding after an unmarked vehicle followed him. The former minister has also become embroiled in a long-running legal battle. The dispute contests the auction and takeover of his properties in Nairobi over an unsettled bank loan.
Amin said the deliberate conduct by Tuju appears to be a calculated effort to deceive the public. He stated it aimed to generate unwarranted sympathy and undermine the integrity of the National Police Service. He added that police view the provision of false information to authorities as a very serious offence.
A History of Legal Disputes Preceding the Kenyan Ex-Minister Arrested Case
The former minister has served in several government roles. He recently alleged that dozens of police officers raided his property in Karen, an upmarket suburb of Nairobi. According to Tuju, they ejected his staff and security guards before taking control of the business premises. He further claimed that powerful officials were behind attempts to seize his property. The government has not commented on these allegations.
The court dispute involves lenders seeking to recover debts exceeding $15 million. The debts are tied to properties owned by Tuju’s company, Dari Limited. He has lodged multiple unsuccessful legal challenges to stop the auction. Nevertheless, he recently obtained orders barring the transfer of the property until his latest application is heard.
Tuju told Citizen TV that upon realizing someone was trailing him, he branched onto a road where it would be more difficult for anyone to follow. Once he shook off the other vehicle, he abandoned his car. He knew they would be looking for the vehicle. His family, he added, is very traumatized, considered himself blessed because there are many Kenyans in unmarked graves.
He thanked Kenyans and opposition politicians who had stood by him and also mentioned other Kenyans who had been abducted or killed in the past. He explained that this was why he did not seek police help and instead went into hiding. Consequently, his actions sparked a police investigation and public outcry.
Police Investigation and Public Response
Earlier, police said they were investigating his reported disappearance. They also appealed to the public for information. His family had said the ex-minister and his driver went missing while on their way to an evening radio interview on Saturday. Police found his vehicle abandoned with its hazard lights on along a road in Karen. They could not reach him, however, as his phone was switched off.
Tuju’s disappearance prompted allegations by prominent opposition figures. Many suggested the ex-minister may have been a victim of abduction. Governor James Orengo alleged Tuju had been kidnapped. “Let’s pray for Tuju because he has gone through a lot,” he said. Lawmaker Otiende Amollo also weighed in, saying they were pressing the authorities for answers. “We are urging the police to do all that is within their power to trace and protect him. We abhor the possibility that there are people who can abduct someone of [his] stature,” he said.
The Director of Criminal Investigations emphasized that providing false information to authorities carries serious consequences. Therefore, the case has drawn significant attention across Kenya. It highlights ongoing tensions between political figures, law enforcement, and the judiciary. Police now hold the Kenyan ex-minister arrested and may charge him for falsely reporting his disappearance.
