Orengo says Raphael Tuju has been kidnapped
By Mustafa Juma, March 22, 2026Siaya Governor James Orengo has sparked concern after claiming that veteran politician and former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has been kidnapped under unclear circumstances.
Speaking at a church event on Sunday, March 22, 2026, Orengo claimed that Tuju had been abducted, adding that his vehicle had been found abandoned with the keys still inside.
He called on Kenyans to keep Tuju in their prayers, describing him as a leader who has faced numerous challenges in recent times.
“Nataka niwajulishe, ndugu yetu Tuju ametekwa nyara. Gari yake imeachwa mahali, na vifunguo za gari ziko pale pale. Tumuombee Tuju kwa sababu amepitia matatizo mingi sana,” Orengo said.
Tuju’s recent ordeal
Tension escalated early on March 14, 2026, when more than 50 police officers, reportedly from the Rapid Response Unit, arrived at Dari Business Park in Karen. Tuju has long owned this property.
The officers sealed off the compound, removed Tuju and several other people from the premises, and locked the gates.
The dispute stems from a debt case between Tuju and the East African Development Bank. He took a loan of Ksh943.9 million to fund the acquisition and development of commercial units for sale in Nairobi.
The loan later went into default. With interest and other costs added, the debt now stands at about Ksh 2.2 billion.
Leaders condemn the incident
The incident has been widely condemned by a section of leaders across the country, with Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o criticising the use of police officers in a long-running commercial dispute involving Tuju.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Nyong’o questioned the conduct of authorities after dozens of police officers moved into Tuju’s property in Karen, Nairobi, during the early hours of Saturday.
He said the events raised serious questions about how institutions tasked with protecting the rule of law handled the matter.
“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.