Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, with 2027 presidential candidate Eliud Owalo at a past meeting. /FILE

Concern is mounting over the reported disappearance of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, with 2027 presidential candidate Eliud Owalo calling for swift and coordinated investigations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Owalo said he was “deeply concerned” by reports that Tuju went missing, urging the Inspector General of the National Police Service to immediately mobilise all relevant units to establish his whereabouts.

“I respectfully call upon the Inspector General of the National Police Service to urgently direct all relevant police formations and investigative agencies to commence speedy, thorough, and coordinated investigations into this matter, and urgently update the Kenyan public on the same,” Owalo said.

He emphasised that the State has a constitutional obligation to protect life, liberty and security, and to investigate any incident that threatens those rights.

“Under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the National Police Service Act, the State has a duty to protect life, liberty, and security of every person,” he stated.

Owalo further urged security agencies to act with urgency, keep Tuju’s family informed, and take all lawful steps necessary to ensure his safety.

The former minister was reported missing after his family filed a report at Karen Police Station, following the discovery of his car abandoned along Miotoni Road with the ignition keys inside. His phones were switched off, raising fears over his safety.

The disappearance has triggered widespread concern among political leaders and the public, with growing calls for transparency and accountability from authorities.

Owalo also appealed to members of the public to come forward with any credible information that could assist investigations.

“I also appeal to any member of the public who may have credible information that could assist in revealing the mysterious disappearance of Hon. Tuju to lay bare this information in the public domain,” he said.

He expressed solidarity with Tuju’s family, friends and colleagues, describing the situation as a moment of national anxiety.

“At this difficult moment, I stand in solidarity with Hon. Tuju’s family, friends, and colleagues, and empathise with the general Kenyan public on this matter,” Owalo added.