Tuju claims police occupied Karen property in unlawful operation

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju/HANDOUT

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has claimed that a large contingent of police entered his Dari Park property in Karen on Friday night, alleging that dozens of officers arrived and remained within the compound.

In a video seen by the Star, Tuju described the operation as unlawful, claiming more than 50 personnel arrived in about seven police vehicles and proceeded to occupy the premises.

He further alleged that the officers declined to identify themselves or explain the reason for their presence.

According to Tuju, the police also removed the security personnel who had been guarding the facility before taking control of the compound.

“They have kicked out my guards and security. They have occupied my facility by force,” Tuju claimed.

He insisted he would not leave the premises, alleging that the officers had not produced any court order authorising entry.

“I am not going to leave this place. They will have to kill me first because they have no court order. It is not lawful for them to come to my premises at this time and force me out,” he stated.

Videos showed several police vehicles and officers stationed at the compound at night.

The footage appeared to show individuals believed to be police officers standing within the property, though the exact circumstances of the operation were not immediately clear.

The incident comes amid an ongoing legal dispute involving Tuju and his company, Dari Limited, over a Sh2.2 billion loan linked to property owned by the firm.

The matter has been the subject of prolonged litigation involving the East African Development Bank and auctioneers seeking to recover the loan.

In recent proceedings at Milimani Law Courts, the High Court struck out Tuju’s attempt to halt a planned auction of the properties, which include prime real estate in Karen and along Ngong Road in Nairobi.

Tuju had sought court orders to prevent auctioneers from selling the properties, arguing that new evidence could affect the outcome of the dispute.

However, his application faced opposition from the bank and auctioneers, who contended that the request was aimed at delaying loan recovery.

The matter has previously reached the Supreme Court of Kenya, where judges declined Tuju’s request to introduce additional evidence.

Despite the setback, the High Court recently granted Tuju and Dari Limited permission to appeal a ruling delivered earlier this month.

The court directed the applicants to file the appeal and scheduled a mention and further directions for March 17.