Investigation Launched into Disappearance of Former Kenyan Foreign Minister

Mon Mar 23 2026 12:29:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Kenyan police have opened an investigation into the disappearance of Raphael Tuju, former Foreign Minister, amid allegations of abduction. His vehicle was found abandoned, and Tuju has been embroiled in legal disputes over property.

Raphael Tuju, the former Foreign Minister of Kenya, has reportedly gone missing, leading police to investigate potential abduction. His family reports that he disappeared while heading to a radio interview. Tuju's vehicle was located abandoned with its hazard lights on. He has been involved in ongoing legal battles concerning debts tied to his properties, and there are accusations involving powerful officials trying to seize his assets. The police are coordinating with relevant agencies and have urged the public for information.

Kenyan police are investigating the reported disappearance of former Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju, amid claims he may have been abducted.

According to Tuju's family, the ex-minister and his driver went missing as they were on their way to an evening radio interview on Saturday.

Police said his vehicle was found abandoned with its hazard lights on along a road in Karen, an upmarket suburb of the capital, Nairobi. They said they could not reach him as his phone was switched off.

The former minister, who served in several roles including foreign minister, has been embroiled in a long-running legal battle contesting the auction and takeover of his properties in Nairobi over an unsettled bank loan.

He recently alleged that dozens of police officers had raided his property in Karen, ejected his staff and security guards and taken control of the business premises.

He claimed that powerful officials were behind attempts to seize his property. The government has not commented on the allegations.

The court dispute involves lenders seeking to recover debts of over $15m (£11m) tied to properties owned by Tuju's company, Dari Limited. He has lodged multiple unsuccessful legal challenges to stop the auction, and recently obtained orders barring the transfer of the property until his latest application is heard.

On Sunday, Tuju's lawyer Paul Nyamodi told local media that the ex-minister had, prior to his disappearance, filed a report to the police about being trailed by an unmarked vehicle.

The police said a specialised team was handling the case and was working in coordination with all other relevant government agencies to establish his whereabouts.

They have urged the public to report to them any useful information that could help trace the former minister.

They have also urged the family to cooperate with the authorities, adding that Tuju's family had denied investigators access to his residence.

We urge full cooperation from all parties, including unrestricted access to relevant locations and prompt provision of information, for a swift and thorough resolution, the police said in a statement.

Tuju's disappearance has prompted allegations by prominent opposition figures that the ex-minister may have been abducted.

Governor James Orengo alleged Tuju had been kidnapped. Let's pray for Tuju because he has gone through a lot, he said.

Lawmaker Otiende Amollo said they were pressing the authorities for answers. We are urging the police to do all that is within their power to trace and protect him. We abhor the possibility that there are people who can abduct someone of [his] stature, he said.