Kenyan authorities are investigating the reported disappearance of former Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju, amid concerns that he may have been abducted.
Tuju’s family said the ex-minister and his driver went missing while on their way to an evening radio interview on Saturday.
Police reported that Tuju’s vehicle was discovered abandoned on a road in Karen, an upscale suburb of Nairobi, with its hazard lights on.
Officers added that attempts to contact him by phone were unsuccessful, as the device was switched off.
The former minister, who has held several government positions including foreign minister, has been involved in a prolonged legal dispute over the auction and takeover of his Nairobi properties linked to an unsettled bank loan. He recently claimed that dozens of police officers had raided his Karen property, removed his staff and security guards, and seized control of the business premises.
Tuju asserted that influential officials were attempting to take over his property.
The government has not responded to these allegations. The legal case involves lenders seeking to recover debts exceeding $15 million (£11 million) related to properties owned by Tuju’s company, Dari Limited.
He has filed multiple unsuccessful legal challenges to halt the auction but recently secured a court order preventing property transfer until his latest application is reviewed.
On Sunday, Tuju’s lawyer, Paul Nyamodi, told local media that the ex-minister had previously filed a police report stating he was being followed by an unmarked vehicle. Police confirmed that a specialised team is investigating and coordinating with relevant government agencies to locate him. They urged the public to share any information that could help trace Tuju and called on his family to cooperate with investigators, noting that access to his residence had been denied.
“We urge full cooperation from all parties, including unrestricted access to relevant locations and prompt provision of information, for a swift and thorough resolution,” the police said in a statement.
Tuju’s disappearance has sparked concerns among opposition leaders. Governor James Orengo suggested that the ex-minister had been “kidnapped.”
“Let’s pray for Tuju because he has gone through a lot,” he said. Lawmaker Otiende Amollo added that authorities are being pressured for answers.
“We are urging the police to do all that is within their power to trace and protect him. We abhor the possibility that there are people who can abduct someone of [his] stature,” he said.
