The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has confirmed that it has launched investigations into the disappearance of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju after a missing person report was filed at Karen Police Station. Authorities say the case is now under active investigation as officers work to establish the circumstances surrounding his sudden disappearance.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 22, the agency said detectives had already begun looking into the matter after Tuju’s family formally reported him missing.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into the reported disappearance of Hon. Raphael Tuju following a missing person report lodged at Karen Police Station,” the statement read.
Investigators also shared details about the events that followed the report. According to the DCI, Tuju’s family raised the alarm on Sunday after they were unable to reach him. Later the same day, his vehicle was discovered abandoned under circumstances that raised further concern among investigators.
“Hon. Tuju was reported missing by his family on Sunday, March 22, 2026. His motor vehicle was discovered abandoned along Miotoni Lane in Karen, with its hazard lights on,” the statement added.
Police say the discovery of the vehicle happened after a security guard from a nearby institution noticed the situation and alerted authorities. Officers from Karen Police Station responded quickly and secured the scene before beginning preliminary investigations.
“A security guard from a nearby institution alerted authorities, prompting a swift response by officers from Karen Police Station. The scene was later processed by Crime Scene Investigators and the vehicle towed to Karen Police Station for further forensic examination,” the statement continued.
According to the DCI, attempts to reach Tuju have so far not been successful. Detectives confirmed that his mobile phone remains switched off, making it difficult for investigators to trace his movements.
“Efforts to reach Hon. Tuju have so far been unsuccessful, as his mobile phone remains switched off. A specialized team has since been deployed to handle the case and is working in coordination with all other relevant government agencies to establish his whereabouts,” the statement further read.
The agency said detectives are using different investigative methods to try to understand what may have happened before Tuju disappeared. Officers are gathering information, reviewing evidence, and speaking to people who may have interacted with him before he went missing.
However, investigators also said that their work has faced one challenge. According to the statement, officers attempted to access Tuju’s residence along Mwitu Drive but were unable to do so after the family declined entry.
“The investigating team is also utilizing all available resources and investigative techniques to determine the circumstances surrounding his reported disappearance.
“While progress is being made, the DCI notes that an attempt by investigators to access Mr. Tuju’s residence along Mwitu Drive was denied by the family. We urge full cooperation from all parties, including unrestricted access to relevant locations and prompt provision of information, for a swift and thorough resolution,” the statement explained.
Before he went missing, Tuju had already expressed concerns about his safety. Reports indicate that he had filed a report at Karen Police Station on Saturday, March 21, saying he believed he was being followed.
The report, recorded under OB 21/21/03/2026, stated that he had noticed a white Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series vehicle without number plates following him the previous day.
Later that same evening, Tuju had been scheduled to appear on Ramogi FM at around 7 pm. However, he never made it to the radio program, something that immediately raised questions among those who were expecting him.
Family members say they last saw him on Saturday afternoon. Since then, his mobile phones have remained switched off and efforts to reach him have not been successful.
Concern increased further on Sunday, March 22, when his son Mano Tuju received a call from the Officer Commanding Station at Karen Police Station while he was attending church. During the call, the officer informed him that Tuju’s vehicle had been found abandoned along Miotoni Lane in Karen, Nairobi.
The discovery of the car deepened fears about what may have happened to the former Cabinet Secretary. Police later helped the family tow the vehicle to the station where it is now being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following the discovery, the family officially filed a missing person report at Karen Police Station on Sunday. The report was recorded under OB 17/22/03/2026 as investigators continue efforts to trace Tuju and determine the events leading to his disappearance.