Willis Otieno raises alarm over property rights after Raphael Tuju’s ordeal
By Mustafa Juma, March 16, 2026Lawyer Willis Evans Otieno has raised concerns over the state of property rights and access to justice in Kenya following the recent ordeal involving former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.
Taking to his official X account in the wee hours of Monday, March 16, 2026, Otieno argued that the situation surrounding Tuju should not be viewed as an isolated incident but rather as a reflection of a deeper systemic problem that has long affected ordinary citizens across the country.
“What is happening to Raphael Tuju is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader pattern that many ordinary citizens across Kenya have experienced for years, where powerful interests, shielded by opaque authority, move against people’s property and rights with alarming impunity,” Otieno stated.
Tuju has recently been at the centre of a high-profile property dispute that has drawn public attention and sparked debate over the protection of property rights and the role of state institutions in resolving such conflicts.
Otieno warned that if the rule of law is to have meaning, it must apply equally to all citizens regardless of their social standing or visibility.
“If the law means anything, it must protect every Kenyan equally, not only those whose cases happen to attract public attention. Property rights, access to justice, and the dignity of lawful ownership cannot depend on whether someone has the means to fight back or the visibility to attract cameras,” he stated.
The lawyer further emphasised that justice should not be a privilege reserved for the powerful or well-connected individuals but a guarantee available to all Kenyans under the Constitution.
“Justice and humanity should not be privileges reserved for the powerful. They must be guarantees enjoyed by every Kenyan,” Otieno added.
The remarks have reignited national conversations about land ownership disputes, legal protections for property owners, and the challenges many citizens face in defending their rights against powerful interests.
Tuju’s 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.