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Arrest follows claims of abduction
Former Kenyan Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju was taken into custody on Monday, a day after he vanished under suspicious circumstances that sparked fears of an abduction. Authorities later dismissed the incident as a deliberate ploy to mislead the public.
Police dismiss abduction claims
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin confirmed Tuju's arrest during a press briefing, stating the ex-minister had remained inside his residence throughout the episode. Amin described the disappearance as a "carefully staged" act rather than a genuine kidnapping.
"The deliberate conduct by Raphael Tuju appears to be a calculated effort to deceive the public, generate unwarranted sympathy, and undermine the integrity of the National Police Service," Amin said. He emphasized that providing false information to authorities constitutes a serious offense.
Tuju's account of events
In an interview with Citizen TV shortly before his arrest, Tuju claimed he had gone into hiding after noticing he was being followed by an unmarked vehicle. He recounted evading the pursuers by taking a detour, then abandoning his car to avoid detection.
"My family is very traumatised... and I consider myself blessed because there are many Kenyans in unmarked graves."
Raphael Tuju, former Kenyan Foreign Minister
Tuju cited past cases of disappearances and killings in Kenya as the reason he avoided contacting police, instead choosing to conceal himself. He expressed gratitude to opposition politicians and citizens who supported him during the ordeal.
Timeline of the disappearance
Tuju and his driver were reported missing on Saturday evening while en route to a radio interview. His vehicle was later found abandoned in Nairobi's upscale Karen suburb, with its hazard lights flashing. Police said Tuju's phone was switched off, hindering their search efforts.
Earlier, authorities had launched an investigation into the disappearance and appealed to the public for information. Tuju's family had raised concerns about his safety, prompting widespread speculation about his whereabouts.
Legal battle over property
The former minister has been locked in a protracted court dispute over the auction of his Nairobi properties, tied to an unpaid $15 million (£11 million) loan owed by his company, Dari Limited. Despite multiple legal challenges, lenders have sought to recover the debt through the sale of his assets.
Tuju recently secured a court order blocking the transfer of the properties until his latest appeal is heard. He has accused unnamed powerful officials of orchestrating efforts to seize his assets, though the government has not responded to these allegations.
In a separate incident, Tuju alleged that dozens of police officers raided his Karen property, forcibly removing staff and security personnel before taking control of the premises.
Opposition voices concerns
Tuju's disappearance drew sharp reactions from opposition figures, who initially suspected foul play. Siaya Governor James Orengo claimed the ex-minister had been "kidnapped" and called for prayers on his behalf.
"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."
Otiende Amollo, Kenyan lawmaker
