Former CS Raphael Tuju Resurfaces After Mysterious Disappearance, Says He Fled Over Safety Fears

Former Cabinet Secretary and veteran politician Raphael Tuju has resurfaced after going missing over the weekend, revealing that he abandoned his vehicle and went into hiding after suspecting he was being trailed by unknown persons.

Tuju’s disappearance began on Saturday, March 21, 2026, hours before a scheduled radio interview, prompting concern from family, colleagues and the public after he failed to show up and could not be reached. His car was later found abandoned along Miotoni Lane in the Karen suburb, raising alarm among Kenyans that the seasoned politician might have been in danger. 

In a press briefing on Monday, March 23, Tuju explained he went into hiding after noticing he appeared to be followed by a white Toyota Land Cruiser 70-series with no number plates in the days leading up to his disappearance. He said he had previously reported his safety concerns to authorities before going missing.

“On Saturday evening, as I was heading to the radio interview, I noticed the same vehicle following me, this time without plate numbers,” Tuju told journalists from his Karen residence. “Because I know Karen well, I branched into Nandi Road where they could not reach me and eventually abandoned my car.”

Tuju said that after losing the trail, he sought refuge with a family near the Karen–Kiambu border, thanking them for shelter and support. He added that he did not go directly to a police station due to fears that the people he believed were following him could have access to security agencies—a comment that underscores his heightened sense of vulnerability.

The former CS also spoke openly about the trauma the episode has caused his family, saying their distress was compounded by the speculation and uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts. “My family is very traumatised,” Tuju said, adding that he considers himself fortunate to have emerged safe. 

Tuju’s disappearance triggered a search involving the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which had earlier confirmed the matter was being investigated after his vehicle was reported found with hazard lights on. At one point, efforts to access his Karen residence for inquiries reportedly met resistance.

The episode comes amid ongoing disputes surrounding Tuju’s property and financial matters in the courts, which have attracted public attention in recent weeks. While he did not directly name any individuals or groups he believes were behind the alleged surveillance, his account has sparked discussion on social media and among political observers about personal security and due process in such cases.