Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has called on police to prioritise legal processing in handling cases like that of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, amid controversy over Tuju’s recent disappearance, which authorities have dismissed as a staged “self-abduction.”

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on March 23, 2026, Cherargei highlighted the importance of proper occurrence books, which could be issued at facilities such as Karen Hospital if medical concerns arise.

“I want to appeal to the police. If there is anybody who faces any issue, they should be invited to someone to the DCI. They should be processed legally,” Cherargei said.

Cherargei noted that police now have the authority to grant bail or bonds, including free bonds, to allow individuals access to medication or treatment.

“Police nowadays have the power to issue bail and bond at an instance, even a free bond for him to get medication,” he added, expressing sympathy if Tuju had indeed fallen ill.

Tuju disappearance

Tuju was reported missing over the weekend of March 21–22, 2026, after his vehicle was found abandoned in Karen, Nairobi. He later resurfaced, claiming he had been trailed by unknown individuals and sought refuge with a family in Kiambu County.

“They did not care about my tribe; they simply saw me as a human being,” Tuju said.

However, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), led by Director Mohammed Amin, contradicted Tuju’s account. Investigations including intelligence, forensic analysis, and surveillance concluded that Tuju had remained at his Karen residence throughout.

Amin described the incident as a carefully staged disappearance intended to mislead the public, waste resources, and divert attention from financial troubles linked to Dari Property Limited.

Cherargei warns against self abduction

Cherargei described the episode as a charade and self-abduction driven by financial pressures.

“Raphael Tuju should issue a public apology. You can imagine the anxiety in the country. And, you know, we must stop this issue and this charade of self-abduction,” he said.

The senator warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, particularly ahead of general elections.

“As we head into a period of general elections, we will see people abducting themselves… the judiciary must take note,” he added.

Drawing from personal experience, Cherargei condemned forceful handling by police and highlighted his own history of arrests and abductions.

“I have been abducted by the police before on many occasions… So I wouldn’t champion for anybody to be abducted,” he said.