The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a high-priority investigation into the disappearance of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju after his vehicle was discovered abandoned under unclear circumstances in Nairobi’s Karen area. A specialized team has been deployed to establish the whereabouts of the former Rarieda Member of Parliament and Jubilee Party Secretary General.
Discovery of Abandoned Vehicle
The missing person report was filed by Tuju’s family on Sunday, March 22, after they were unable to reach him. Shortly thereafter, a security guard from a nearby institution on Miotoni Lane raised the alarm regarding a suspicious vehicle. Police arriving at the scene found Tuju’s car stationary with its hazard lights still blinking.
Crime scene investigators processed the site for forensic evidence before towing the vehicle to the Karen Police Station for further examination. Currently, Tuju’s mobile phone remains switched off, and authorities have been unable to track his recent movements through digital signals.
Legal and Property Disputes
The disappearance occurs amidst a period of significant personal and legal turbulence for the former Cabinet Secretary. Tuju has been embroiled in a long-standing and high-profile legal battle with a regional bank and a businessman over his multi-billion shilling properties in Karen.
Just one day prior to the reported disappearance, on Saturday, March 21, Tuju was reportedly evicted from the Dari Business Park. This development followed a series of court rulings regarding a debt dispute that has seen various entities attempt to take possession of his prime real estate holdings. Investigators are looking into whether these recent events are connected to his current status.
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Investigation Challenges and Public Appeal
The National Police Service noted a technical setback in the early stages of the probe. Efforts by detectives to access Tuju’s primary residence on Mwitu Drive were reportedly declined by family members. The NPS has issued a formal statement urging the family to provide full cooperation to ensure a swift resolution to the case.
“A specialized team has since been deployed to handle the case and is working in coordination with all other relevant government agencies to establish his whereabouts,” the NPS confirmed. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from Miotoni Lane and the wider Karen area to trace the vehicle’s route before it was abandoned.
Impact on National Security and Public Interest
As a former high-ranking government official and diplomat, Tuju’s sudden disappearance has sparked significant concern regarding the safety of public figures in Kenya. The case has drawn widespread attention due to his prominent role in the previous administration and his influence within the country’s political landscape.
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Members of the public who may have witnessed suspicious activity along Miotoni Lane between Saturday and Sunday are urged to volunteer information to the nearest police station. The police have emphasized that any details regarding Tuju’s sightings or the movement of his vehicle could be critical to the ongoing search.
Expected Developments
The forensic analysis of the recovered vehicle is expected to be completed within the next 24 hours, which may provide leads regarding whether Tuju was alone at the time of the incident. The National Police Service has committed to providing regular updates as significant developments arise in what remains an active and sensitive investigation.
