Raphael Tuju Says He Went Into Hiding Over Fear of Police Surveillance
Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has explained that he went into hiding because he feared he was being followed by individuals he believed to be linked to the police.
Tuju said he had noticed vehicles without number plates trailing him, which he suspected were operated by police officers. He said that similar vehicles had previously appeared at his residence, contributing to his reluctance to seek assistance from law enforcement.
“Police have been to my residence without number plates on their vehicles. How do you go to report to them?” he said.
He added that his concerns were heightened by the case of journalist Macharia Gaitho, whom he alleged was abducted at Karen Police Station by officers in disguise. Tuju said this incident influenced his decision to avoid direct contact with the authorities.
Describing the events leading up to his disappearance, Tuju said he first noticed a suspicious vehicle following him on Friday evening. He attempted to report the matter at Karen Police Station, but claimed the same vehicle appeared again the next day, this time without number plates, as he travelled to a radio interview.
Accompanied by his aide, Tuju said he used his familiarity with the Karen area to evade the vehicle. He eventually abandoned his car on Nandi Road and sought refuge at a private residence near the Nairobi–Kiambu border.
Civil society groups have criticised the use of unmarked vehicles and covert operations, saying such practices undermine public trust and raise questions about accountability. Police have not issued a formal response to Tuju’s claims.
