Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Irungu Nyakera on Thursday visited former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju at Karen Hospital, describing their recent ordeals as symptomatic of deeper challenges facing the country’s political landscape.
Nyakera said the meeting was both personal and reflective, noting that he and Tuju have in recent days confronted situations where institutions meant to protect Kenyans have instead targeted individuals and their legacies.
“I paid a visit to my senior Raphael Tuju at Karen Hospital today, where we reflected on what both of us have recently gone through. In just a matter of days, we have each faced the pain of seeing what we have built targeted by policemen or goons,” Nyakera said in a statement.
Tuju was admitted at Karen Hospital after his scheduled court plea over allegations of staging his disappearance was deferred when his legal team presented medical documents saying he was unfit to attend proceedings at Kibera Law Courts.
The former lawmaker and Cabinet Secretary had been reported missing before police found his vehicle abandoned in Karen, triggering a high‑profile investigation.
Authorities concluded the disappearance was self‑staged, leading to his arrest and potential charge for giving false information to police.
Legal defence argued that existing court orders barred his detention, and charges could not proceed while he dealt with health concerns.
Nyakera said his visit was rooted in concern for democratic norms and rule of law.
“Sitting with him, it became clear that these are not just personal experiences, but a reflection of the kind of country we are becoming,” he added.
He urged Kenyans to reject violence in political discourse and to safeguard the rights of citizens regardless of political affiliation.
The gubernatorial contender’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of law enforcement conduct in politically sensitive cases.
Nyakera pointed to what he described as a trend where state power is wielded against dissenters or perceived opponents, warning this undermines public confidence in national institutions.
“More than ever, we must stand for a nation where differences are not met with violence, and where no Kenyan lives in fear of losing what they have worked so hard to build,” Nyakera said.
Human rights organisations and civil liberties advocates have also called for transparent investigations into Tuju’s disappearance and subsequent arrest, emphasising accountability and adherence to legal safeguards in ongoing inquiries.
Nyakera’s visit underscores the political salience of the Tuju saga, with critics framing it as emblematic of broader governance issues as Kenya approaches key electoral cycles.
Tuju’s next court appearance remains pending further medical clearance, and his legal team has reiterated calls for respect for due process as proceedings unfold.