NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has been arrested and taken to Karen Police Station as investigators probe what authorities have described as a possible “staged abduction.”
The arrest was confirmed on Monday by the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohammed Amin, who said Tuju would assist detectives in reconstructing events surrounding his recent disappearance.
Speaking at DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road, Amin said Tuju is expected to provide a “comprehensive statement” detailing his movements, the circumstances under which his vehicle was abandoned, and the reports initially filed by his family.
“We have arrested Raphael Tuju to assist us with investigations into this matter,” Mohammed said. “He will be required to explain the sequence of events and clarify all outstanding questions related to the incident.”
Investigators are also seeking information about a good Samaritan who reportedly sheltered Tuju in Kiambu, as well as any other individuals he contacted during the period he was unaccounted for.
According to the DCI, preliminary findings suggest Tuju may not have been missing in the manner initially reported. Amin stated that the former minister was at his Karen residence during the time he was believed to be missing, raising further questions about the nature of the incident.
He cautioned against any attempts to mislead the public or misuse law enforcement resources.
“We are resolute in ensuring that attempts to undermine confidence in our national institutions are thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators held accountable,” Mohammed stated. “Public trust is sacred and must be earned through a relentless pursuit of truth, evidence-based action and zero tolerance for deception.”
Meanwhile, Tuju’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, claimed the former Cabinet Secretary was manhandled during the arrest and sustained injuries. He called for his client to receive medical attention at Karen Hospital.
Tuju had resurfaced earlier on Monday after going missing on Saturday evening, offering his account of the events that led to his disappearance.
Addressing journalists, he said he abandoned his vehicle after noticing he was being followed by individuals in unmarked cars.
“The vehicle did not have number plates,” he said.
Tuju added that he became increasingly suspicious after observing the same vehicles trailing him over a period of time. Drawing on his familiarity with the area, he said he managed to evade the pursuit.
“Fortunately, I know Karen well. I branched into Nandi Road; that is how I lost them,” he said.
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He also expressed gratitude to a family in Kiambu who provided him with shelter during the period.
“I consider myself blessed,” he added.
Tuju further cited previous experiences and concerns about security agencies to explain why he did not seek assistance from the police.
The case has rapidly evolved from a missing persons report into a high-profile investigation, raising broader questions about public trust in law enforcement and the handling of sensitive security incidents in Kenya.
Authorities appear to be pursuing two parallel lines of inquiry: verifying Tuju’s claims of being trailed by unknown individuals and examining whether the incident may have been misrepresented.
The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for public confidence in both state institutions and high-profile individuals reporting security threats.
