DCI Denied Access to Raphael Tuju’s Home, Calls for Cooperation from Family

DCI Denied Access to Raphael Tuju’s Home, Calls for Cooperation from Family

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has disclosed that detectives were denied access to the residence of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju in Karen, Nairobi, as investigations into his reported disappearance intensify.

In a statement issued on Monday, the agency said officers attempting to follow up on leads were unable to enter the property located along Mwitu Drive, a development that could slow efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the high-profile case. Detectives urged Tuju’s relatives and all relevant parties to cooperate fully, emphasizing that access to critical locations is essential for effective investigations.

“The investigating team is utilising all available resources and investigative techniques to determine the circumstances surrounding his reported disappearance,” the DCI said, adding that a specialized unit has been deployed to trace his whereabouts.

According to police, Tuju was officially reported missing at Karen Police Station on Sunday, March 22, after family members failed to reach him by phone. His mobile device had reportedly been switched off, raising alarm among relatives.

His son, Mano Tuju, told authorities that the former minister had left home on Saturday, March 21, for a scheduled media interview but never returned. The situation escalated the following morning when police informed the family that Tuju’s vehicle had been discovered abandoned nearby.

The DCI confirmed that the car was found along Miotoni Lane in the upscale Karen suburb, with hazard lights still on — a detail investigators say suggests the vehicle may have been left abruptly.

“Hon. Tuju was reported missing by his family on Sunday, March 22, 2026. His motor vehicle was discovered abandoned along Miotoni Lane in Karen, with its hazard lights on,” the agency stated.

Authorities added that a security guard from a neighboring institution raised the alarm after noticing the unattended vehicle, prompting a rapid police response. Crime scene investigators later processed the area before towing the car to the station for forensic examination.

“A security guard from a nearby institution alerted authorities, prompting a swift response by officers from Karen Police Station,” the statement noted.

Tuju’s disappearance has triggered widespread concern across the political spectrum, with some leaders suggesting the possibility of an abduction, although no official confirmation has been made.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) figure Oburu Odinga called on the government to act swiftly, warning that delays could erode public confidence in security agencies.

“I would like to urge the government to quickly investigate the matter and inform us on what might have happened to our son, Raphael Tuju. This is not good,” he said.

The former Jubilee Party Secretary-General’s disappearance comes amid ongoing legal and financial disputes over his prime Karen properties. In recent weeks, Tuju had been contesting the auction of several assets, a battle that culminated in a highly publicized eviction from part of his estate.

He had previously alleged that powerful individuals were orchestrating efforts to dispossess him, claims that have not been independently verified. In a letter circulated last week, Tuju reportedly appealed for police protection, citing concerns for both his property and personal safety.

Security experts note that cases involving prominent political figures often attract intense scrutiny, particularly when unresolved disputes or threats are reported beforehand.

As investigators continue to piece together Tuju’s last known movements, the DCI reiterated its appeal for cooperation, stressing that public assistance could prove critical in locating him.

The disappearance of such a senior political figure has not only gripped the nation but also reignited debate over personal security, land conflicts, and the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond to complex cases involving influential individuals.

For now, authorities say all possibilities remain under investigation as the search for Raphael Tuju enters a crucial phase.

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DCI Denied Access to Raphael Tuju’s Home, Calls for Cooperation from Family