Siaya Governor James Orengo has spoken out in support of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju amid a growing political row over the enforcement of a long-running loan dispute.

Orengo posted a strongly worded message on X on Sunday, March 15, 2026, describing Tuju as a victim of what he called a harsh economic system and powerful interests.

“Raphael is a wonderful leader and strategist. A good man doing good,” Orengo wrote.

“He is a victim of ferocious capitalism and a bloody cabal in a kleptocratic state.”

The governor added that the situation raised deeper concerns about justice and the protection of individuals in disputes involving powerful institutions.

“When the judiciary cannot protect the weak against the mighty, justice becomes a distant and remote mirage,” he said.

Orengo ended the message with a note of solidarity to Tuju.

“Tuju, let me say this. The struggle continues.”

The comments come amid controversy surrounding a debt dispute between Tuju and the East African Development Bank (EADB).

The dispute relates to a loan of Ksh943.9 million that Tuju took to finance the acquisition and development of commercial units in Nairobi through his company, Dari Limited. The loan later went into default.

With interest and other costs added over the years, the debt has grown to about Ksh2.2 billion.

Police raid sparks debate

Tension escalated early on Saturday, March 14, when more than 50 police officers, reportedly from the Rapid Response Unit, moved to Dari Business Park.

Officers arrived in the early hours of the morning and sealed off the compound. They removed Tuju and several other people from the premises and locked the gates.

The operation triggered debate over the role of police in enforcing commercial disputes.

Tuju criticised the operation and said officers acted without a valid court order authorising an eviction at the time.

He also said he had made several attempts to repay or restructure the loan, but the bank rejected his proposals.

The dispute has now drawn reactions from political leaders across the country.

Earlier on Sunday, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o also criticised the manner in which authorities handled the matter.

Nyong’o questioned the use of uniformed police officers in what he described as a civil commercial dispute.

“The recent events surrounding the handling of Hon. Raphael Tuju’s loan dispute and commercial affairs raise serious questions about the conduct of institutions entrusted with upholding the rule of law in our country,” Nyong’o said in a statement.

He argued that debt recovery should remain within civil legal processes and should follow clear and transparent procedures.

“The use of uniformed police officers whose primary duty is to maintain law and order to facilitate actions that seemingly bypass established legal processes is troubling,” Nyong’o said.

“One must ask: under what legal provision are such actions justified?”