Cherargei warns of self-abduction trend ahead of elections
By Emmanuel Rono, March 24, 2026Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has raised alarm over what he referred to as an emerging trend of self-abduction, urging the judiciary to take note as the country approaches the next general elections.
Speaking in an interview with a local station on Monday, March 23, 2026, Cherargei claimed that some individuals could stage their own abductions for political or personal gain, warning that such incidents could increase during the election period.
Cherargei’s remarks come after the former Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju resurfaced, claiming he had been trailed by unknown individuals in an unmarked vehicle while driving in Karen.
Stage-Managed Abductions
Cherargei urged the judiciary to remain vigilant, warning that some leaders are stage-managing these events specifically to manipulate public emotion and influence court proceedings.
“Raphael Tuju should issue a public apology; you can imagine the anxiety in the country. As he goes to court, the judiciary should know that leaders will self-abduct to seek sympathy,” Cherargei said.
According to Cherargei, there is an emerging trend in the country where people abduct themselves as the country move towards the 2027 general elections. He appealed to the judiciary to take note of such abductions’ trend in the country.
“I want to appeal to the judiciary that they must take note that there is an emerging trend in this country where individuals are self-abducting, and just as I can tell you this is not the last, as we go to the general election, you will see many people abducting themselves,” Cherargei warned.
Cherargei noted that he has been personally arrested and abducted by the police on several occasions. He insisted that political differences should never be a justification for extra-legal actions and that the rule of law must always prevail.
“I do not agree with abductions; I have personally been abducted by the police, and I do not champion this at all. People should be summoned legally,” Cherargei said.
DCI contradicts Tuju’s account
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) swiftly contradicted Tuju’s account. DCI Director Mohammed Amin said investigations, including intelligence, forensic analysis, surveillance, and tracking, showed Tuju had remained at his Karen residence throughout the period.
“Based on solid intelligence and meticulous forensic analysis, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations concludes, without an iota of doubt, that Honourable Raphael Tuju was physically present within his residence throughout the period in question,” Amin asserted.