Tuju: How I evaded people trailing me, sought shelter from Kiambu family

Former CS Raphael Tuju durng a press briefing in Karen on March 23./ EMILY KITONGA

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has resurfaced after days of speculation over his whereabouts, revealing that he sought refuge from a family in Kiambu after being trailed by unknown individuals in an unmarked vehicle.

Speaking during a press briefing at his Karen residence on Monday, Tuju recounted a tense sequence of events in which he claimed he was being followed by individuals whose intentions he could not immediately establish.

The vehicle trailing him, he claims, had no number plates, heightening his suspicion and concern for his safety.

Tuju claimed the incident unfolded while he was driving himself, accompanied by his aide.

As he approached the Karen roundabout, he claims he noticed the vehicle closing in on him in what he described as a deliberate and coordinated manner.

“I got very worried. I was the one driving, as I often do, and by the time I reached Karen roundabout, they had really closed in. They were definitely making sure they were back-to-back with me,” he said.

Drawing on his familiarity with the Karen area, Tuju made a quick decision to veer off into Nandi Road, a move he believes ultimately helped him evade those trailing him.

According to him, the structure of the road made it difficult for the pursuing vehicle to follow immediately without risking a dangerous manoeuvre into oncoming traffic.

“They were not able to branch into Nandi Road. It meant they either had to turn and face oncoming traffic to follow me or go round. That is how I lost them,” he explained.

Despite managing to shake off the suspected pursuers, Tuju said he remained cautious, driving through several roads within Karen to ensure he was no longer being followed. Prior to abandoning his vehicle, he had already reported the incident to the police.

Fearing for his safety, he decided not to return home immediately. Instead, he crossed into the Kiambu area, where he was taken in by a family that offered him shelter without hesitation.

“I want to thank a family in Kiambu, at the boundary between here and Kiambu, who gave me shelter. They did not care about my tribe; they simply saw me as a human being,” Tuju said.

He remained under their protection until shortly after midnight, when he felt it was safe enough to return to his Karen home.

The incident had sparked concern and speculation online, with reports circulating that the former minister may have been abducted.

However, his reappearance and detailed account appear to clarify the circumstances surrounding his temporary disappearance.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged pursuit, and it remains unclear who the individuals in the unmarked vehicle were or what their intentions might have been.

Tuju’s account adds to growing public concern over security and surveillance, particularly involving high-profile individuals. Investigations into the matter are expected to shed more light on the incident.