Former Kenya Minister Arrested Over ‘Staged Disappearance’

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Nairobi: Former Kenya Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju has been arrested a day after he was reported missing, with authorities accusing him of orchestrating a staged disappearance.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations, led by Mohamed Amin, said Tuju had remained inside his residence throughout the incident, describing it as a ‘carefully planned disappearance rather than a genuine abduction’.

Amin stated that the former minister’s actions appeared intended to mislead the public, attract sympathy, and undermine confidence in the National Police Service. He added that providing false information to authorities constitutes a serious criminal offence.

Shortly before his arrest, Tuju told Citizen TV that he had gone into hiding after noticing an unmarked vehicle following him. He claimed he diverted routes to evade surveillance before abandoning his car.

He said he chose not to contact police due to fears stemming from past abductions and killings in the country, adding that the situation had deeply affected his family.

“My family is very traumatised, and I consider myself blessed because there are many Kenyans in unmarked graves,” he said, while thanking supporters, including opposition leaders, who had expressed concern.

Police had earlier launched a search after his family reported that he and his driver went missing en route to a scheduled radio interview. His vehicle was later found abandoned with hazard lights on in Karen, while his phone was switched off.

Tuju, who has held several senior government roles, is currently embroiled in a prolonged legal dispute involving the auction of properties linked to his company, Dari Limited, over an alleged unpaid bank loan exceeding $15 million.

He has accused influential figures of attempting to seize his assets, alleging that police previously raided his property, evicted staff, and took control of the premises, claims the government has not publicly addressed.

The reported disappearance had initially sparked concern among opposition figures, including James Orengo, who suggested Tuju may have been kidnapped and called for prayers. Lawmaker Otiende Amollo also urged swift action to ensure his safety.

Authorities now maintain the incident was fabricated, shifting the case from a suspected abduction to a criminal investigation into alleged deception.