Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju remains at the centre of public attention following his arrest on 23 March 2026, a move that has sparked outrage over police conduct and detainee rights.
What began as a reported disappearance quickly evolved into a high-profile controversy involving allegations of staged events, inhuman treatment, and a medical emergency.
Tuju was reported missing after failing to appear for scheduled engagements and losing contact with his family.
His vehicle was found abandoned in the Karen area, raising initial fears of abduction.
Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) later confirmed that Tuju had remained at his Karen residence during the period he was reported missing.
Authorities accused him of orchestrating a staged disappearance, which is a serious offence under Kenyan law. This led to his immediate arrest and detention at Karen Police Station.
Hours into his detention, Tuju’s condition reportedly worsened.
A video circulated online showing him lying on a makeshift bed at the station, receiving oxygen support and intravenous fluids, raising concerns among the public and civil society groups.
Observers noted that keeping a critically ill detainee in a police cell under such conditions could have severe health consequences.
In a forceful statement, lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, representing Tuju, described witnessing “inhuman and degrading treatment”.
He singled out Mr. Justus Ombati, Deputy Regional Criminal Investigations Officer, accusing him of commanding a “shameless death squad” and issuing orders to detain Tuju in a police cell while he was on an oxygen mask.
Njiru confirmed that the incident was recorded and stated that the officer would be sued over the actions.
The legal team argued that Tuju’s detention under these circumstances violated his rights and endangered his life.
They demanded that he receive urgent medical attention, emphasizing that his critical condition required professional hospital care rather than makeshift treatment at a police station.
Responding to the growing concern, Tuju was transferred to the ICU at Karen Hospital on 25 March, under police supervision.
He remains under intensive care as legal proceedings have been temporarily paused due to his medical condition.
His treatment in ICU has been closely monitored by his family and legal team, who continue to push for accountability regarding the circumstances that led to his critical condition.
The case has drawn attention at the highest levels of government. President William Ruto urged Tuju to seek honest advice and warned against politicizing the situation.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations and human rights advocates have called for a transparent investigation into the conduct of police officers and the treatment of detainees, highlighting the balance between law enforcement duties and human rights obligations.
Public reaction has been intense, with social media and news outlets debating both the alleged staged disappearance and the police handling of Tuju’s detention.
As Tuju continues to recover in the ICU, his legal team is preparing to challenge both the circumstances of his arrest and the treatment he received while in custody.
The unfolding saga underscores tensions between law enforcement, human rights, and political narratives in Kenya, and it continues to dominate national discourse.