ODM party leader Oburu Odinga during his coronation at Kango ka Jaramogi on March 22, 2026./FAITH MATETE

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has expressed deep concern over reports that former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju is missing, urging the government to launch an immediate investigation.

The ODM leader said he had received information about Tuju’s disappearance and appealed to authorities to act swiftly. 

Oburu was speaking at Kango Ka Jaramogi in Bondo during his coronation as the party leader for the national top leadership. He was crowned by the Jokawuor and Jaramogi family. The event was attended by various leaders and elders led by Ker Odungi Randa, Luo Council of Elders Chairman. Also present were family members, including his sister Ruth Odinga and Raila Jnr.

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Oburu described the situation as damaging to the country’s image and called on security agencies to prioritise the matter.

“There is an issue that has been mentioned to me, that former CS Raphael Tuju has disappeared. I need more information to know what is happening, but I urge the government to investigate quickly and let us know what has happened to our son, Tuju. This does not give us a good image, and I plead with security to investigate this matter,” he said.

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Raphael Tuju, a former Cabinet secretary and prominent political figure, has previously served in various government capacities, including as Minister for Foreign Affairs and as a party leader.

His sudden disappearance has sparked concern in political circles and among the public, prompting calls for transparency from security agencies.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo./FAITH MATETE
Speaking on the matter, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo confirmed that Tuju went missing under unclear circumstances, sparking fears of a possible abduction.

“We have received information that Honourable Raphael Tuju has gone missing. There are fears that he may have been abducted last evening. His vehicle has been found, but he cannot be traced. His phones are off, and his family has been unable to reach him,” said Amollo.

He added that ODM leaders had convened after consultations with the party leadership and elders, expressing concern over Tuju’s safety.

“We are praying that Hon Tutu is safe wherever he is. We urge the police to do everything within their power to trace him and ensure his safety”.

He added that it was deeply concerning that such an incident can occur in this day and age for someone like the former minister.

Nyando MP Jared Okello,/FAITH  MATETE
Nyando MP Jared Okello urged the ODM leader to directly engage the Head of State and push for immediate action from investigative agencies.

“Our party leader, we are requesting you to speak to the President and urge him to direct the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to urgently produce Honourable Tuju."

He added issues of abductions and unlawful disappearances should be a thing of the past. Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili also appealed for swift intervention, expressing hope that the missing leader will be found safe.

“We are praying and hoping that Honourable Raphael Tuju is safe and request the authorities to act with speed to ensure he is found and returned to his family,” he said.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili./FAITH MATETE

The leaders emphasized the need for urgent action, calling on security agencies to act swiftly to trace the missing former minister and guarantee his safety.

Tuju was reported missing after his family filed a missing person report at Karen Police Station on Sunday.

Siaya Governor James Orengo claimed that Tuju was abducted in the wake of his business troubles over a commercial dispute.

“I want to inform you that our brother Tuju has been abducted. His car was abandoned on the road with the ignition keys inside,” Orengo said after attending a church service in Ntulele, Narok County.

He added, “Pray for Tuju, who has been undergoing a lot of tribulations in the last few days.”

The family was informed that his car had been found along Miotoni Road in Karen. His phones were switched off, with relatives expressing fears over his safety.

The incident came just a week after heavily armed police officers entered his Sh3.5 billion Dari Centre in what was described as an attempt to enforce a change of ownership over claims that the property had been auctioned off.

A trader has since emerged claiming he bought the 21-acre property for Sh450 million.

Tuju had vowed to fight for the property after filing an appeal at the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn a High Court ruling that allowed the East African Development Bank (EADB) to recover a loan granted to him.

Last week, the Judiciary, through spokesperson Paul Ndemo, issued a statement clarifying issues surrounding court rulings in the property dispute, citing growing public interest and debate on the matter.