Kenyan authorities have launched a high-priority investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Raphael Tuju, the nation’s former Foreign Minister, who vanished under circumstances suggesting possible abduction. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when Tuju and his driver were en route to a scheduled radio interview in Nairobi.
According to official police reports, the former minister’s vehicle was discovered abandoned with its hazard lights activated along a roadway in Karen, an affluent suburb of the capital. Authorities noted that all attempts to contact Tuju proved futile as his mobile phone remained switched off.
The disappearance unfolds against the backdrop of an intense legal confrontation involving Tuju’s substantial business assets. Court documents reveal a protracted financial dispute with lenders seeking to recover approximately $15 million in outstanding debts linked to properties owned by Dari Limited, a company under Tuju’s ownership. Despite multiple legal petitions, Tuju has been unsuccessful in preventing the auction of these properties.
In recent developments, Tuju had formally reported to police that he was being followed by an unmarked vehicle prior to his disappearance. He had also publicly alleged that dozens of police officers forcibly took control of his Karen property, ejecting his staff and security personnel. The former minister contended that influential government officials were orchestrating efforts to seize his assets, though these claims remain unaddressed by state authorities.
Police have established a specialized task force coordinating with multiple government agencies to locate the missing statesman. In an official statement, law enforcement urged public cooperation while simultaneously requesting that Tuju’s family provide unrestricted access to relevant locations and information.
The case has drawn significant political attention, with prominent opposition figures openly speculating about state involvement in Tuju’s disappearance. Governor James Orengo explicitly characterized the incident as a kidnapping, while Lawmaker Otiende Amollo demanded immediate police action to ensure Tuju’s safety and return.