Raphael Tuju Resurfaces 24 Hours After Going Missing, Says He Went Into Hiding

Raphael Tuju Resurfaces 24 Hours After Going Missing, Says He Went Into Hiding

Former Cabinet Secretary and ex–Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju has resurfaced nearly 24 hours after he was reported missing, stating that he deliberately went into hiding after suspecting he was being trailed by unknown individuals in Nairobi.

Tuju’s sudden disappearance had triggered widespread concern among family members, political allies, and the public, with some opposition figures alleging a possible abduction. However, speaking after reappearing, the veteran politician said his actions were motivated by fear for his safety.

According to Tuju, the ordeal began on Friday evening when he noticed a suspicious vehicle following him as he drove through the Karen area. He said he reported the matter at Karen Police Station, hoping authorities would intervene.

The following day, he claimed, the same vehicle resumed trailing him while he was heading to a scheduled radio interview. This time, he noted, the vehicle had no number plates — a detail he said heightened his alarm.

“On Saturday evening, I was supposed to go for a radio interview, and then again, the same vehicle, a Land Cruiser, started following me. This time, a little bit more concerning was that the vehicle didn’t have number plates,” Tuju said.

He added that the sight of unmarked vehicles reminded him of a previous incident involving multiple security vehicles near his residence.

“Having experienced how close to 20 police land rovers came to my place, and some of them did not have number plates, I get worried,” he explained.

Tuju said he was accompanied by an aide at the time and used his familiarity with the Karen road network to evade the pursuers. He eventually diverted onto Nandi Road, where he believes the trailing vehicle could not easily follow due to the road layout.

“I had my aide by my side and because I know Karen well and they were closing in, I branched to Nandi Road, where they were unable to reach because of the road structure and that is how I lost them and decided since I was being followed and I had reported the incident to the police I abandoned the vehicle there,” he said.

Fearing that returning home or seeking refuge at a police station could expose him to further danger, Tuju said he instead sought shelter at a private residence near the Nairobi–Kiambu border. He claimed he avoided police facilities because he suspected the individuals pursuing him might have links to security agencies.

During his time in hiding, Tuju said he was hosted by a family he described as compassionate and supportive despite the uncertainty surrounding his situation.

“I want to thank Kenyans and the family that accommodated me because they didn’t care what my tribe is, they just saw me as a human being until yesterday past midnight when I was able to come here,” he said.

He acknowledged the emotional toll the incident had taken on his loved ones and supporters nationwide.

“My family is very traumatised, and Kenyans of goodwill are traumatised, and I consider myself just blessed because I know there are Kenyans in unmarked graves,” Tuju added.

His family had formally reported him missing at Karen Police Station on Sunday, March 22, after repeated attempts to reach him by phone failed. His mobile device had been switched off, intensifying fears about his safety and fueling speculation across social media and political circles.

The incident sparked sharp reactions from leaders across the political spectrum. Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement, said he had no reason to doubt Tuju’s account and reiterated concerns about alleged abductions in the country.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether an official investigation into the alleged surveillance is underway.

Tuju’s reappearance has eased immediate fears about his safety but has also raised broader questions about personal security for public figures and the prevalence of unmarked vehicles in sensitive operations. As political leaders continue to respond, many Kenyans are calling for clarity from security agencies regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Raphael Tuju Resurfaces 24 Hours After Going Missing, Says He Went Into Hiding