According to a statement from the DCI, the agency launched investigations after receiving a missing person report from Tuju’s family at Karen Police Station on Sunday, March 22. The former Cabinet Secretary was reportedly accompanied by his driver when he went missing while en route to a scheduled radio interview. Eyewitnesses later reported that Tuju’s vehicle was found abandoned along Miotoni Lane in Karen, with its hazard lights still on—a detail that has heightened concerns over the nature of his disappearance.
“A security guard from a nearby institution alerted authorities, prompting a swift response by officers from Karen Police Station,” the DCI statement noted. The agency added that the investigation is ongoing and urged full cooperation from Tuju’s family and other relevant parties. Investigators have emphasized the need for unrestricted access to locations and timely provision of information, describing these as critical for a thorough and speedy resolution.
Despite the urgency, the DCI revealed that Tuju’s family had denied access to his residence along Mwitu Drive in Karen. Authorities continue to appeal for cooperation, reiterating the importance of public assistance. Detectives are particularly interested in receiving information from anyone who may have observed Tuju, his vehicle, or any suspicious activity in the Miotoni Lane or greater Karen area before, during, or after March 21, 2026. Members of the public are encouraged to share information confidentially through DCI hotlines.
Tuju’s disappearance comes at a time when he was embroiled in a high-profile legal dispute over the ownership of Dari Business Park in Karen. The dispute stems from an alleged failure to repay a Ksh. 1.9 billion loan obtained from the East African Development Bank (EADB) in 2015. The original loan was valued at USD 9,197,084 (approximately Ksh. 1.2 billion at the time), with the remaining amount accrued as interest over the years. The properties involved in the dispute include Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary (LR No.11320/3, Off Tree Lane, Karen), Tamarind Karen, and Dari Business Park (LR No. 1055/165, off Ngong Road, Karen).
On March 19, Tuju raised concerns directly with Inspector General Douglas Kanja, protesting what he described as an unlawful police occupation of Dari Business Park. In a formal letter, the former minister claimed that more than 100 police officers had raided the premises in the early hours of March 13 without a court order, remaining stationed there for nearly a week. Tuju argued that the presence of officers on the property was illegal and had disrupted operations, escalating tensions in the ongoing legal battle over property ownership.
The missing person report, combined with the ongoing legal dispute, has intensified public speculation about the circumstances surrounding Tuju’s disappearance. Observers note that the case raises questions about the intersection of legal disputes, security operations, and personal safety for high-profile individuals in Kenya.
Experts in security and legal affairs have highlighted the complexities that often accompany cases involving prominent political figures. According to a retired law enforcement officer familiar with such matters, “When a person involved in a high-value legal dispute goes missing under unusual circumstances, it is crucial to explore all angles—ranging from personal safety risks, possible coercion, to the potential involvement of third parties with vested interests.”
The situation has also attracted attention on social media, with citizens expressing concern for Tuju’s safety and calling on authorities to expedite the investigation. Many have noted that Karen, being an affluent suburb, is typically considered safe, which makes the unexplained disappearance of a former Cabinet Secretary even more concerning.
Legal analysts observing the Dari Business Park case argue that Tuju’s disappearance could complicate the ongoing litigation, particularly if critical documentation or testimonies are tied to his presence. “In cases involving multi-billion shilling property disputes, any interruption caused by the absence of a key party can have ripple effects on court proceedings,” said a Nairobi-based legal expert.
In addition to legal complications, Tuju’s disappearance raises wider concerns regarding public safety and the effectiveness of current security mechanisms. Authorities have reassured the public that a dedicated team of detectives is actively pursuing leads and that no stone will be left unturned in the quest to locate Tuju and his driver. The DCI has urged anyone with information to come forward, stressing that even seemingly minor details could be critical to the investigation.
Tuju, a former Cabinet Secretary, has long been a prominent figure in Kenyan politics. His career has spanned various portfolios and political roles, and he is widely recognized for his influence in shaping policy and governance. The uncertainty surrounding his current situation has therefore generated significant attention not only within political circles but also among the general public.
As the investigation unfolds, officials are balancing the need for transparency with the sensitivity required in handling cases involving high-profile individuals. Security agencies are reportedly reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing potential witnesses, and coordinating with other law enforcement bodies to ensure that all avenues are explored.
The DCI’s appeal for public assistance highlights the importance of community engagement in solving cases of this nature. Authorities have made it clear that anyone with credible information—whether related to sightings of Tuju, his vehicle, or unusual activity around Miotoni Lane and surrounding areas—can report it without fear, as all tips will be treated with strict confidentiality.
In conclusion, the disappearance of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has sparked concern, speculation, and a swift response from law enforcement agencies. As the investigation progresses, attention will remain on both the circumstances of his disappearance and the broader implications for legal disputes and public safety in Kenya. The coming days are expected to provide more clarity, as authorities continue to pursue leads and appeal for public cooperation in what is shaping up to be a critical and high-profile inquiry.