KANU spokesman and Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Tony Gachoka has expressed support for former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju following the ongoing dispute surrounding the Dari Business Park property in Karen, Nairobi.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Gachoka criticised what he described as exploitative practices by financial institutions when dealing with borrowers facing financial challenges.

“The case of Raphael Tuju is a bitter pill many Kenyans have swallowed when banks and other agencies ring-fence a borrower not to find a solution but to exploit vulnerability one may face in a problematic transaction. I join thousands of Kenyans in wishing him well,” Gachoka wrote.

His remarks come amid growing debate over the eviction at Dari Business Park and the handling of Tuju’s long-running loan dispute with the East African Development Bank (EADB).

Loan dispute behind eviction

The dispute stems from a loan of about Ksh943.9 million that Tuju’s company, Dari Limited, obtained in 2015 from the East African Development Bank to acquire and develop commercial units in Nairobi.

The loan later went into default, with accrued interest and other costs increasing the amount owed to approximately Ksh2.2 billion.

The issue escalated on Saturday, March 14, 2026, when more than 50 police officers, reportedly from the Rapid Response Unit, moved to the Dari Business Park premises in Karen during the early hours of the morning.

The officers sealed off the compound, removed Tuju and several other people from the premises and locked the gates, disrupting operations for more than 25 businesses operating within the complex.

Tuju has maintained that the operation was carried out without a valid eviction order and said a family member sustained injuries during the incident.

Political reactions grow

Gachoka’s comments add to reactions from several political leaders who have weighed in on the dispute.

Former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo earlier visited the premises and criticised the deployment of police officers in what he described as a commercial dispute that should be handled through civil law processes.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o also raised concerns over the incident, questioning the role of police in the matter and warning that actions perceived to bypass legal procedures could undermine confidence in institutions.

Siaya Governor James Orengo has also commented on the case, describing Tuju as a leader who deserved fair treatment as the legal dispute continues.

The developments have sparked wider debate on the role of law enforcement in commercial debt recovery and the processes followed when financial disputes reach enforcement stages.