What You Need to Know
Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has been reported missing, with his family confirming he was last seen on March 22. His vehicle was found abandoned, prompting concerns over his safety. Tuju has been involved in a property dispute, seeking police intervention just days before his disappearance, raising fears for his well-being.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has reportedly gone missing, his family has confirmed.
According to a family spokesperson, the former CS, who is embroiled in a property dispute with the state, was last seen on Saturday, March 22.
Tuju’s son Mano Tuju has since revealed that the former CS was on his way to an interview, but it remains unclear whether he made it to the engagement.
Concerns emerged after repeated attempts by his family to reach him failed. His lawyer says futile efforts to contact his phone prompted the family to reach out to authorities to initiate a search.
On Sunday Morning, Tuju’s son received a call from the OCS at Karen Police Station informing him that his father’s vehicle had been found abandoned along Miotoni Lane in the Karen area of Nairobi.
The former Jubilee Party Secretary General has been the subject of discussion in recent weeks following disputes over his prime land in Karen.
Tuju has been battling the auction of his properties in a case that spiralled into a dramatic eviction from his Karen property, after accusing unnamed powerful individuals of orchestrating his downfall.
Speaking in an interview with NTV on March 17, Tuju said that he acquired the property in Karen more than 40 years ago, when the area was still largely underdeveloped.
According to Tuju, he secured his first parcel in Karen using a loan from the National Bank of Kenya, priced at about Ksh100,000 per acre, but the minimum purchase was Ksh250,000, forcing him to borrow Ksh180,000 and raise the remaining amount through personal means.
Tuju claimed that he sold his personal vehicle so that he could raise the remaining Ksh60,000.
“The first time I bought land in Karen was 40 years ago, and it was Ksh100,000 per acre. I took a loan from the National Bank. The minimum you could buy in Karen at that time was Ksh250,000. I took a loan of Ksh180,000,” stated Tuju.
On Thursday, three days before his dissapearance, Tuju made a last-ditch attempt to save his property by writing to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, seeking intervention over concerns tied to his property and security.
The open letter was presented as part of his efforts to address challenges he faced in protecting his assets.
In the communication, he appealed for police assistance, citing the need for protection amid what he described as pressures affecting his property and personal safety. The letter reflected his attempt to engage authorities directly at a high level.
Raphael Tuju, a prominent political figure in Kenya, has been embroiled in a contentious property dispute that has drawn public attention. His challenges began decades ago when he acquired land in the Karen area of Nairobi, which has since become a prime location. Over the years, Tuju has faced various pressures regarding his property, leading to significant legal battles and public scrutiny. His recent disappearance adds a troubling chapter to his ongoing struggles, highlighting the intersection of personal safety and political challenges in Kenya.
