President William Ruto on Tuesday, March 24, spoke about the controversy surrounding former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju’s disappearance, accusing those close to him of staging a fake abduction for political gain.
While on a tour of Migori County, Ruto claimed that Tuju’s friends misled him and helped orchestrate the incident. The President said some people wanted to benefit from the situation by gaining attention and political mileage.
“They lied to him. They asked him to go and hide in his bedroom, then claim that he was abducted. Tuju needs honest friends. He needs honest advice and help, not people trying to benefit from his problems,” Ruto said.
Ruto: Tuju Needs Honest Advice, Not Drama
Ruto added that Tuju needed proper guidance, especially as he faced issues with auctioneers going after his property. The former CS has been in a public dispute over his Karen home, which has been at the centre of an auction dispute.
“He needs advice so that he can be helped to save his property, not people dragging Uhuru Kenyatta’s name into their drama,” the President said.
Ruto’s remarks appeared to reference Tuju’s close ties to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has largely remained out of the public eye since leaving office. By invoking Uhuru’s name, Ruto signaled that he believes the former CS’s allies are attempting to use the controversy to create political tension.
DCI Dismisses Tuju’s Claims, Files Charges
Tuju reappeared on Monday after missing for two days. He alleged that an unmarked vehicle had been following him, prompting him to go into hiding due to fear for his life.
However, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismissed his claims, stating that he had been at his Karen home the entire time. Investigators reportedly tracked his movements and concluded that no abduction had taken place.
DCI boss Mohammed Amin said Tuju was arrested and would be taken to court for allegedly staging the abduction.
According to a charge sheet shared by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, Tuju has been charged with giving false information to a public officer, an offense under the Penal Code. If convicted, he faces a possible prison term or a fine.
Political Fallout in Nyanza
The President made the remarks as concerns grow that the Tuju issue could affect his support in the Nyanza region. Tuju, a native of the region, has maintained a political profile there despite serving in Uhuru Kenyatta’s cabinet.
Ruto has been working to expand his support base in Nyanza ahead of the 2027 election. The handling of the Tuju matter could influence perceptions in the region, where some may view the former CS’s treatment as politically motivated.
What Happens Next
Tuju is expected to appear in court to face the charges filed by the DCI. His legal team has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, the political debate around the incident continues. Ruto’s decision to address the issue directly—and to blame Tuju’s friends rather than Tuju himself—suggests the President is trying to distance the controversy from his administration while keeping his Nyanza outreach intact.
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- Heartbreaking Video of Tuju Writhing in Pain as His Woes Continue- Says he is Almost Dying
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