NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has spoken publicly for the first time about his recent disappearance, citing deep mistrust in law enforcement agencies as the reason he did not report to the police despite alleging he was being trailed.
Addressing journalists, Tuju said his decision was influenced by previous encounters with individuals he believes were linked to security agencies, raising concerns about their conduct and identity.
“Police have been to my residence without number plates on their vehicles. How do you go to report to them?,” he posed.
Tuju explained that such incidents left him feeling unsafe and compelled him to reconsider seeking help from official channels. Instead, he chose to go into hiding, describing it as a precautionary move to avoid what he feared could escalate into a dangerous situation.
He further referenced the case of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho to illustrate his concerns about personal safety and the handling of sensitive cases by authorities.
“He was abducted at Karen Police Station,” Tuju claimed, referring to an incident involving officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) who were reportedly disguised during the operation.
“So I had to think and decide what to do next,” he added.
The former minister questioned the logic of reporting to the police under such circumstances, arguing that doing so could have exposed him to further risk.
“Why would I have gone to the police station where Gaitho was abducted?” he posed.
“He was abducted in front of a police station he thought would have offered him safety,” Tuju stated.
Instead of engaging authorities directly, Tuju said he reached out to trusted personal networks, including international contacts, for advice and support during the period he was unaccounted for.
“I had to contact those I trusted. I have contacted good contacts internationally,” he said.
He also acknowledged support from political allies who checked on him, singling out Kalonzo Musyoka for reaching out promptly.
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“I want to thank my senior brother Kalonzo Musyoka, the Wiper Party leader, who contacted me as soon as he learnt I was here,” he said.
Tuju further expressed gratitude to other leaders, including Justin Muturi and Eugene Wamalwa, noting that their concern during the incident was significant.
Tuju’s remarks come amid growing public scrutiny in Kenya over alleged enforced disappearances and the conduct of security agencies.
Civil society organisations and rights groups have repeatedly called for greater transparency and accountability in policing operations, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals.
While authorities have yet to respond formally to Tuju’s allegations, the episode is likely to intensify debate over public trust in law enforcement and the broader question of citizen security.
