Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju's mysterious disappearance on Saturday, March 21, 2026, sparked national concern before his dramatic reappearance and subsequent legal and political challenges. The events began unfolding when Tuju noticed he was being surveilled, reporting to police about being trailed by an unmarked white Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series on Friday, March 20. He formally documented this incident at the Karen Police Station under OB 21/21/03/2026.

Shortly after leaving the station on Saturday, Tuju's phone switched off, and he failed to appear for a scheduled interview on Ramogi FM. His vehicle was later discovered abandoned along Miotoni Lane in the Karen area. His family, led by his son Mano Tuju, filed an official missing person report (OB 17/22/03/2026) after being informed of the car's discovery by the Karen OCS on Sunday, March 22. Tuju's legal representative, Grado Victor Mabachi, confirmed the filing, expressing deep concern.

Upon his public resurfacing on Monday, March 23, Tuju recounted a harrowing ordeal. He explained that on Saturday evening, while en route to his interview, he noticed an unmarked vehicle following him. Using his knowledge of the Karen suburbs, he managed to evade his pursuers at the Karen Roundabout by turning into Nandi Road, forcing them to detour. He then abandoned his vehicle and sought refuge with a local family, where he remained hidden throughout Sunday. He expressed deep relief to be alive, given recent reported deaths across the country.

The disappearance quickly gained a political dimension, with Siaya Governor James Orengo claiming on Sunday that Tuju had been abducted. However, the situation took a complex turn when Tuju was rushed to Karen Hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated at Karen Police Station. He was being held there ahead of a court appearance at Kibera Law Courts, where he was expected to face a charge of giving false information to Chief Inspector Purity Kobia of Karen Police Station, specifically for claiming he was being trailed by unknown people.

Tuju's legal team, led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accused police of 'abducting' the former Rarieda MP outside Karen Police Station and highlighted his serious health condition, noting he was a recovering patient from a terrible road accident. Doctors from Karen Hospital found his blood sugar level dangerously low at 1.9 while he was in custody. Musyoka further alleged that lawyers, including Patrick Lumumba, were denied access, and accused officers of aggressively placing Tuju into a vehicle. Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru questioned the legality of proceeding with charges in Tuju’s absence, as police allegedly failed to formally record his detention. They requested bail or a free bond for Tuju's treatment.

The prosecution, represented by Victor Owiti, affirmed the court's jurisdiction to proceed without the accused but stated they would not oppose Tuju being freed on bail for treatment. Magistrate Stella Atambo stated she would decide Tuju’s fate on Wednesday, March 25, at noon, to provide comprehensive directions on the case.

Adding another layer to the controversy, President William Ruto, speaking in Nyanza on Tuesday, March 24, dismissed Tuju's abduction claims as