NAIROBI— The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has conclusively determined that the reported disappearance of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju was a carefully orchestrated hoax rather than a genuine abduction.
In a press briefing on Monday, DCI Director Mohamed Amin revealed that intelligence and forensic evidence placed Tuju at his Karen residence throughout the period he was allegedly missing. “Based on solid intelligence and meticulous forensic analysis, the DCI concludes, without an iota of doubt, that Honourable Raphael Tuju was physically present within his residence throughout the period in question,” Amin stated. He added that even at 18:18 hours on March 21, 2026—when Tuju’s mobile phone was switched off—he remained at home.
Amin explained that Tuju resurfaced only after police closed in on the truth, confirming investigators’ suspicions of deception. The former Cabinet Secretary had prompted a major police response following a missing person report filed by his family.
“This was a carefully staged disappearance rather than a genuine case of abduction,” Amin emphasized. The National Police Service views the incident as an attempt to mislead the Kenyan public and erode trust in security institutions. “Providing false information to authorities is a serious offence,” he noted, leading to Tuju’s arrest and booking at Karen Police Station.
There, he is recording a detailed statement covering his whereabouts, the family’s report, an abandoned vehicle, and details of individuals in Kiambu who reportedly sheltered him.
Amin lamented the trend of staged disappearances, particularly by public figures and leaders. “It is very sad that honourable MPs can stoop so low to stage-manage their own abduction,” he said, warning that such acts create widespread anxiety, waste resources, and undermine national security.
The NPS vowed to pursue this and similar cases rigorously, holding perpetrators accountable to deter future misuse of the system.
