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Kenyan Ex-Foreign Minister Arrested Over ‘Staged Disappearance’ Claims
March 24,2026
Former Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Raphael Tuju has been arrested a day after he was reported missing, in a case authorities now describe as a staged disappearance.
Speaking at a press briefing, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin said Tuju had remained inside his residence during the period he was believed to be missing.
“This appears to be a carefully staged disappearance rather than a genuine case of abduction,” Amin stated, adding that the alleged act was intended to mislead the public and attract sympathy.
The police further warned that providing false information to authorities is considered a serious offence.
Prior to his arrest, Tuju had told Citizen TV Kenya that he went into hiding after noticing he was being followed by an unmarked vehicle. He claimed he diverted onto a different road to evade surveillance before abandoning his car, which was later found with hazard lights on in Karen, an affluent suburb of Nairobi.
Tuju, who has recently been entangled in a prolonged legal dispute over properties linked to an unsettled bank loan, said his actions were influenced by fears for his safety.
“My family is very traumatised… I consider myself fortunate, given the number of Kenyans who have ended up in unmarked graves,” he said, while thanking supporters and opposition figures who expressed concern over his reported disappearance.
Earlier, police had launched a search operation following reports from his family that he and his driver had gone missing while heading to a scheduled radio interview.
The incident also drew reactions from opposition leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, who initially suggested Tuju may have been kidnapped, and lawmaker Otiende Amollo, who called for swift action from authorities.
Meanwhile, Tuju has accused powerful individuals of attempting to seize his properties—claims the government has yet to respond to.
The dispute centres on efforts by lenders to recover debts exceeding $15 million tied to assets owned by his company, Dari Limited. Courts have recently issued orders halting any transfer of the properties pending further legal proceedings.
