By Peter John
Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has been located after a dramatic 36-hour disappearance, with authorities confirming he is currently being held at Karen Police Station in Nairobi.
Tuju went missing on March 21 after reportedly noticing a suspicious white Toyota Land Cruiser trailing his vehicle. According to accounts, his car was later found abandoned on Miotoni Lane with the keys left in the ignition and hazard lights still flashing, raising alarm among associates and the public.
He resurfaced on Monday, explaining that he had intentionally abandoned the vehicle on Nandi Road in an attempt to evade the individuals he believed were following him. Tuju said he then went into hiding alongside his driver, Steve Mwanga, at a private residence near the Nairobi–Kiambu border.
Following his reappearance, Tuju was taken to Karen Police Station, where he is reportedly receiving medical attention. Claims have since emerged that he may have been manhandled, although details surrounding his condition and the circumstances of his detention remain unclear.
The incident comes against the backdrop of Tuju’s ongoing legal and financial dispute with the East African Development Bank over a Sh1.9 billion loan, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
His disappearance and subsequent detention have sparked political reactions, with prominent figures including David Maraga and Kalonzo Musyoka expressing concern. Both leaders criticized what they described as a worrying pattern of abductions and potential state overreach.
As questions mount, authorities have yet to provide a full account of the events leading to Tuju’s disappearance and detention, leaving the public awaiting further clarification on a case that has quickly drawn national attention.
