Missing Former Kenyan Minister Raises Concerns of Abduction

Mon Mar 23 2026 12:15:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Kenyan police are investigating the mysterious disappearance of former Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju, who went missing along with his driver under suspicious circumstances.

Kenyan authorities are searching for Raphael Tuju, a former foreign minister, who reportedly disappeared on his way to a radio interview. His abandoned vehicle was located with its hazard lights on, and his family has raised concerns about possible abduction amid a backdrop of legal disputes over his properties. Calls for a thorough investigation have grown as political figures allege government involvement.

Kenyan police are investigating the reported disappearance of former Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju amid claims he may have been abducted. According to Tuju's family, the ex-minister and his driver went missing while heading to an evening radio interview on Saturday.

Authorities announced that Tuju's vehicle was discovered abandoned with its hazard lights on along a road in the upscale suburb of Karen in Nairobi. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful, as his phone was reportedly switched off.

Tuju, who has held various prominent roles including foreign minister, is currently involved in an ongoing legal struggle regarding the auction and takeover of his properties in Nairobi due to an unsettled bank loan. He recently claimed that numerous police officers raided his property in Karen, forcefully removing his staff and taking control of the site.

The central issue is a court dispute involving loans exceeding $15 million connected to properties owned by Tuju's business, Dari Limited. Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts to halt the auction process, he has obtained temporary court orders to prevent property transfer pending adjudication of his latest claims.

Before his disappearance, Tuju's lawyer disclosed that he had previously filed a report stating he was being followed by an unmarked vehicle. Police have confirmed that a specialized team is actively working on the case, cooperating with other government entities to ascertain Tuju's whereabouts.

Furthermore, the police have encouraged the public to provide any information that could assist in locating the former minister and urged his family to facilitate access to his residence for the investigation. Despite initial cooperation, Tuju's family has denied law enforcement access to his home.

Tuju's situation has sparked allegations from prominent figures in the opposition, labeling it as a suspected kidnapping, with calls for swift action to ensure his safety.

Governor James Orengo remarked on the troubling incident, and lawmaker Otiende Amollo emphasized the need for urgency and thoroughness in the police's response, denouncing the possibility of anyone abducting an individual of Tuju's stature.