Tuju: Fear of police tactics drove me into hiding

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has broken his silence over his recent disappearance, explaining why he chose not to report to the police after allegedly being trailed by unknown individuals.

Speaking to the press, Tuju expressed deep mistrust in law enforcement agencies, claiming that the conduct of some officers made it difficult for him to seek their protection.

According to Tuju, individuals believed to be police officers had previously visited his residence using vehicles without number plates, an incident he said raised serious concerns about their identity and intentions.

“Police have been to my residence without number plates on their vehicles. How do you go to report to them?” he posed.

The former Cabinet Secretary said the experience left him uneasy and forced him to reconsider his options, ultimately choosing to go into hiding rather than risk what he described as a potentially dangerous encounter.

Tuju further cited the case of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho to illustrate his fears, alleging that the manner in which Gaitho was handled by detectives reinforced his decision.

“He was abducted at Karen Police Station,” Tuju claimed, referring to an incident involving officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) who were reportedly disguised during the operation.

“So I had to think and decide what to do next,” he added.

His remarks come amid growing public scrutiny over alleged cases of enforced disappearances and the conduct of security agencies in the country.

While the police have yet to publicly respond to Tuju’s allegations, the incident adds to a series of concerns raised by civil society groups and public figures regarding the methods used by some officers in carrying out arrests and investigations.

Tuju questioned why he would have driven to a police station after managing to evade those who were trailing him, arguing that such a move would have placed him in further danger.

“Why would I have gone to the police station where Gaitho was abducted?” he posed.

He noted that the journalist was taken from a place he believed would offer safety, adding that the circumstances made him wary of seeking help from the same channels.

“He was abducted in front of a police station he thought would have offered him safety,” Tuju stated.

Tuju explained that, given the situation, he opted to reach out to individuals and contacts he trusted, including some international connections, for guidance and support.

“I had to contact those I trusted. I have contacted good contacts internationally,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to political allies and colleagues who checked on him during the period, singling out Kalonzo Musyoka, whom he described as a senior figure who reached out immediately upon learning of his whereabouts.

“I want to thank my senior brother Kalonzo Musyoka, the Wiper Party leader, who contacted me as soon as he learnt I was here,” he said.

Tuju further acknowledged support from fellow leaders, including former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, saying their concern during the period meant a great deal to him.