What You Need to Know
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has expressed serious concerns regarding the violent arrest of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, alleging that it exacerbated Tuju’s pre-existing injuries. Njiru stated that Tuju required immediate medical attention following the incident, which he described as chaotic and marked by excessive force from the police. The lawyer criticized the authorities for failing to divul
Africa-Press – Kenya. Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has raised concerns over the manner in which former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju was arrested, alleging that the operation was violent and left his client injured.
Njiru claimed that Tuju was forcefully pushed into a vehicle by officers, worsening a pre-existing back injury.
The former Cabinet Secretary was forcefully arrested, barely hours after resurfacing. The arrest, captured by media and bystanders, was swift and intensely physical.
Speaking after the incident, Njiru said the former CS was in pain and required urgent medical attention, with doctors called in to assess his condition.
“They pushed him into the car; he hurt his back, and as we speak, Honourable Tuju is not well. We have invited doctors to come and advise us,” Njiru said.
He added that an ambulance had been called to transfer Tuju to the hospital, describing the situation as a medical emergency.
Njiru also faulted the police for failing to follow due process, insisting that officers attempted to move Tuju before making a formal entry at the police station.
“I have demanded that we cannot leave the police station until an OB entry is done so that if we are going to another station, we know who is in charge of him, which officer is responsible, and what offense he is facing,” he said.
The lawyer further noted that, despite being informed that Tuju was under arrest, authorities had not disclosed the reasons behind the detention.
“Even now, we have just been told Honourable Tuju is under arrest, but we cannot tell the reason for the arrest. We do not know why he has been arrested,” he said.
Njiru described the incident as chaotic and accused officers of using excessive force, claiming Tuju was mishandled despite his medical condition.
“That was not an arrest. Had it not been for our presence, Tuju might not have been able to speak. They were actually abducting him at a police station,” he alleged.
According to Njiru, Tuju had earlier been invited to the station to record a statement, but events escalated before the process could be completed.
He said efforts by those present, including Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other leaders, prevented officers from immediately removing Tuju from the premises.
“They started pushing him into a Subaru before he could even go to the OB. We resisted. As we speak, Honourable Tuju is unwell,” Njiru added.
He maintained that the force used during the arrest amounted to serious violence and reiterated that no charges had been communicated to them.
Njiru urged the public to remain vigilant and support one another, even as questions continue to mount over the circumstances surrounding Tuju’s arrest.
Tuju had gone missing on Saturday evening, together with his aide, Steve Mwanga.
A missing report had been made for both Tuju and Mwanga at the Karen Police Station.
Tuju’s motor vehicle was later discovered abandoned along Miotoni Lane, with its hazard lights still on
Efforts to reach Tuju had been unsuccessful, as his mobile phone remained switched off.
The arrest of Raphael Tuju has sparked significant public outcry, particularly regarding police conduct in Kenya. Historically, the Kenyan police have faced scrutiny over their methods, especially during politically sensitive situations. The treatment of individuals during arrests often raises questions about human rights and the rule of law in the country, reflecting broader issues within the justice system that have persisted for years. This incident is part of a larger narrative concerning the relationship between law enforcement and political figures in Kenya, where allegations of misconduct are not uncommon.
