The family of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has reported his disappearance after efforts to trace his whereabouts since Saturday afternoon proved unsuccessful, raising concern over his safety.
According to the family, Tuju was expected to appear for an interview on Ramogi FM on Saturday night but failed to return home. His mobile phone has reportedly been switched off since then.
Abandoned Vehicle Found in Karen
On Sunday morning, Tuju’s son, Mano Tuju, received a call from the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Karen Police Station, requesting him to confirm the ownership of an abandoned vehicle discovered along Miotoni Lane in Karen. The vehicle was identified as belonging to Tuju.
The development has intensified concerns about his disappearance, which has now been formally reported to police. A missing person’s report has been filed, with the family also recording an additional Occurrence Book (OB) entry regarding the case.
Tuju’s driver is also reported to be missing.
Reports of Surveillance Before Disappearance
Tuju’s lawyer confirmed that the former minister had filed a complaint with police on Saturday, alleging that he had been followed by an unmarked white Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series on Friday.
The reported surveillance, combined with his sudden disappearance, has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ongoing Legal Dispute Over Property
The disappearance comes amid a high-profile legal battle involving Tuju and the East African Development Bank (EADB) over the planned auction of his Karen properties.
The dispute centres on an alleged unpaid loan amounting to Ksh1.9 billion, initially borrowed in 2015. Tuju has maintained that he is willing to settle the debt, arguing that the situation has been politicised.
The properties in question include the Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary, Tamarind Karen, and Dari Business Park, all located in the Karen area of Nairobi.
Claims of Police Occupation
In a letter dated March 19, Tuju wrote to Inspector General Douglas Kanja, alleging that more than 100 police officers had raided Dari Business Park in the early hours of March 13 without a court order.
He claimed the officers have remained stationed at the premises for nearly a week without providing documentation or explanation, effectively paralysing operations at the business complex, which hosts at least 24 tenants.
Tuju further stated that professionals, including lawyers, have been denied access to their offices, files, and equipment, raising concerns over due process and business continuity.
Appeal to Judiciary
The former Cabinet Secretary has also written to Chief Justice Martha Koome, questioning the integrity of certain judicial officers and the legal process that allowed auctioneers to proceed with plans to sell his properties.
As investigations into his disappearance continue, authorities are yet to provide further details on his whereabouts. The case has drawn public attention due to its intersection with ongoing legal disputes and allegations of harassment.
