The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed that the reported disappearance of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju was a deliberate, self-orchestrated scheme intended to mislead law enforcement and the public.

In a press release on Friday, April 3, 2026, the DCI stated that a missing person report lodged at Karen Police Station on March 22, 2026, was part of a carefully planned operation.

Investigators concluded that there was no abduction and no suspicious unmarked vehicles trailing Tuju, contradicting his recent claims.

“After a thorough and meticulous inquiry, investigators have established beyond doubt that the alleged disappearance and abduction of Hon. Raphael Tuju was in fact a staged and self-orchestrated incident. The evidence gathered clearly indicates that the entire episode was a deliberate scheme designed to mislead law enforcement agencies and the general public,” the DCI press release read in part.

Timeline of the staged incident

CCTV footage, witness statements, and vehicle tracking were used to reconstruct events on March 21, 2026.

According to DCI’s report, Tuju’s vehicle left a hotel at 18:46:28 hrs, briefly interacting with a white Toyota Probox, before the two vehicles moved in opposite directions.

“This conclusion also directly contradicts the allegations that Hon. Tuju was being trailed by suspicious vehicles with no number plates. Preliminary findings, supported by detailed analysis of CCTV footage, witness statements, and other corroborative evidence, paint a clear timeline of coordinated actions by individuals close to Hon. Tuju.”

DCI added that by 18:52:42, Tuju’s car was heading toward his residence, while the Probox went toward Ngong. At 19:04:40, Tuju’s vehicle was near Karen Shopping Center, and both vehicles later met on Nandi Road at 19:11:46, with the Probox following closely.

At Miotoni Lane, Tuju’s vehicle parked at 19:17:59 with headlights off and hazard lights on. The Probox arrived 13 seconds later, and four seconds after that, three individuals exited Tuju’s car and entered the Probox. The vehicle departed at 19:18:47 and was captured heading directly to Tuju’s residence by 19:38, marking the end of the operation.

Persons of Interest and Investigation Status

Vehicle ownership corroborated the findings. The DCI identified four persons of interest in the operation who they claim controlled the communication.

The DCI emphasised that the evidence points to a voluntary, premeditated plan to provoke public concern.

Authorities warned that any diversionary statements from Tuju will not impede justice. Investigations are ongoing, and legal action will follow against those found culpable, including possible charges for providing false information and wasting police resources.