Tuju arrested as DCI dismisses ‘abduction’ claims, alleges staged disappearance

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NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has been arrested, with police dismissing earlier claims of abduction and instead accusing him of being part of a pattern of staged disappearances involving public figures.

Speaking on Monday, DCI Director Mohamed Amin said Tuju is in custody at Karen Police Station and is being questioned over the circumstances surrounding his alleged disappearance.

“Honourable Raphael Tuju has been arrested and booked… to record a comprehensive statement explaining his whereabouts and the circumstances behind the abandoned motor vehicle,” Amin said.

Police: ‘Self-abduction’ pattern

Amin said investigators are treating the case as part of a broader trend.

“The DCI has documented numerous similar incidents involving staged disappearances or false abduction claims… designed to undermine public trust in our law enforcement agencies,” he said.

He warned that providing false information to police is a serious offence and vowed action against those found culpable.

“We will pursue this matter… with the full force of the law to curb this emerging culture of deception,” Amin added.

Contradicts political claims

The police account directly contradicts earlier remarks by Kalonzo Musyoka, who had claimed Tuju was forcibly taken away after presenting himself at Karen Police Station.

Kalonzo had described the incident as unlawful and demanded that Tuju be produced “alive and unharmed”.

How police tracked him

Amin said investigators moved in quickly once Tuju’s phone went off.

“The very moment that he switched off his phone, our officers picked him up… we were pretty sure that he was hiding himself,” he said.

He added that the alleged plan was disrupted before it could “gain traction”.

Driver also missing

Tuju’s driver, Steve Mwanga, remains unaccounted for, with police yet to clarify his whereabouts or role in the unfolding events.

Earlier, police had confirmed that Tuju’s vehicle was found along Miotoni Lane in Karen, with its hazard lights on — a detail now central to the investigation.

Warning to public figures

Amin criticised what he described as a growing trend among politicians.

“It is very sad that honourable members can stoop that low to stage-manage their own abductions… and cause anxiety and tension in the country,” he said.

He said such actions undermine national security and public confidence in law enforcement.