Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju Resurfaces After His Disappearance

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, Who Was Reported Missing, Has Resurfaced

Former Cabinet Secretary and veteran politician Raphael Tuju has resurfaced after an alarming disappearance that gripped the nation and sparked widespread concern among Kenyans and political circles over the weekend.

The incident began on Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2026, when Tuju, a well‑known figure in Kenyan public life, failed to show up for a scheduled radio interview at Ramogi FM in Nairobi — a meeting he had publicly announced and which many anticipated would address ongoing issues in his political and business life. Instead of attending the interview, Tuju simply vanished from public view, and communication with him was abruptly cut off when his phone went unanswered and remained switched off for hours.

Late that evening, alarm bells grew louder when his vehicle — a motorcar linked to his identity — was discovered abandoned along Miotoni Lane in Karen, an affluent suburb of Nairobi. The car was found with its hazard lights on and no trace of Tuju or his driver, Steve Mwanga, who had been with him at the time. A concerned security guard alerted authorities, and the scene was processed by crime scene investigators before the vehicle was taken to the Karen Police Station for further examination.

With no official word from Tuju himself and no sign of him at his home or other known locations, his family, aides and legal representatives grew increasingly worried. His son, Mano Tuju, confirmed that the family had not had contact with his father since that Saturday afternoon. A missing person report was formally filed at Karen Police Station under the relevant occurrence book entries, and police began inquiries.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other security agencies were reportedly mobilized to search for Tuju, with various teams combing through leads in Nairobi and beyond. The situation quickly drew public attention, with speculation growing on social media and in traditional outlets. Some voices even suggested the possibility of abduction, pointing to the abandoned car, the disappearance of both Tuju and his driver, and the lack of clarity on what may have transpired. High‑profile figures, including County Governor James Orengo, publicly called for prayers and for authorities to ensure his safety.

Amid the fear and uncertainty, many Kenyans followed developments closely, aware that Tuju’s disappearance came at a turbulent time in his personal and professional affairs. In recent months, the former Cabinet secretary has been embroiled in a high‑profile legal and financial dispute with the East African Development Bank (EADB) over substantial loans allegedly owed by Tuju and linked to prime real estate properties in Karen. The ongoing case, which has seen parts of his property auctioned as the bank seeks to recover debts, has been fiercely contested in court and in the court of public opinion.

However, the uncertainty around his whereabouts was brought to an end on Monday, March 23, when Tuju reappeared at his Karen residence and addressed journalists, offering an explanation for his unexpected disappearance. He said that he had intentionally gone into hiding after becoming increasingly alarmed by what he described as suspicious surveillance and threats to his safety. According to Tuju, prior to disappearing, he had noticed an unmarked vehicle — a white Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series — trailing him on Friday, March 20, a concern he says he reported to the police the next day before losing contact with friends and family.

Speaking from his home, Tuju described the past days as emotionally stressful, emphasising the trauma the experience caused his loved ones and acknowledging the anxiety his sudden absence had triggered among supporters and colleagues. He stated that he abandoned his car deliberately as a precaution after successfully evading the vehicle he believed was following him. Though he did not name those he thought might be behind the alleged surveillance or specify their motives, he expressed gratitude for being alive and safe after the ordeal.

His remarks brought relief to many who had feared the worst, and they shifted the narrative from a potential security crisis to one framed around personal choice, fear and precaution. Authorities have not publicly confirmed any investigation updates or substantiated claims of surveillance or threats, leaving some questions unanswered. Police investigations, including forensic examination of the abandoned vehicle and further inquiries into any verified threats, are expected to continue as part of broader efforts to establish what exactly occurred in the hours leading up to Tuju’s disappearance.

As the story continues to unfold, Tuju’s resurfacing has reignited conversations about the safety and well‑being of public figures, the role of law enforcement in protecting citizens regardless of status, and the personal pressures that accompany political and legal struggles. For now, the experienced politician remains out of immediate danger, but the circumstances of his disappearance and the details he shared are likely to remain part of public discussion and further scrutiny in the days ahead.