Kenyan police investigate alleged disappearance of ex-foreign minister

Kenyan police investigate alleged disappearance of ex-foreign minister2 hours agoShareSaveBasillioh RukangaNairobiShareSave

AFP via Getty Images Raphael Tuju in a dark blue suit and light blue shirt

AFP via Getty ImagesRaphael Tuju has been embroiled in a long-running legal dispute

Kenyan police are investigating the reported disappearance of former Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju, amid claims he may have been abducted.

According to Tuju's family, the ex-minister and his driver went missing as they were on their way to an evening radio interview on Saturday.

Police said his vehicle was found abandoned with its hazard lights on along a road in Karen, an upmarket suburb of the capital, Nairobi. They said they could not reach him as his phone was switched off.

The former minister, who served in several roles including foreign minister, has been embroiled in a long-running legal battle contesting the auction and takeover of his properties in Nairobi over an unsettled bank loan.

He recently alleged that dozens of police officers had raided his property in Karen, ejected his staff and security guards and taken control of the business premises.

He claimed that powerful officials were behind attempts to seize his property. The government has not commented on the allegations.

The court dispute involves lenders seeking to recover debts of over $15m (£11m) tied to properties owned by Tuju's company, Dari Limited. He has lodged multiple unsuccessful legal challenges to stop the auction, and recently obtained orders barring the transfer of the property until his latest application is heard.

On Sunday, Tuju's lawyer Paul Nyamodi told local media that the ex-minister had, prior to his disappearance, filed a report to the police about being trailed by an unmarked vehicle.

The police said a specialised team was handling the case and was "working in coordination with all other relevant government agencies to establish his whereabouts".

They have urged the public to report to them any useful information that could help trace the former minister.

They have also urged the family to cooperate with the authorities, adding that Tuju's family had denied investigators access to his residence.

"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 police said in a statement.

Tuju's disappearance has prompted allegations by prominent opposition figures that the ex-minister may have been abducted.

Governor James Orengo alleged Tuju had been "kidnapped".

"Let's pray for Tuju because he has gone through a lot," he said.

Lawmaker Otiende Amollo said they were pressing the authorities for answers.

"We are urging the police to do all that is within their power to trace and protect him. We abhor the possibility that there are people who can abduct someone of [his] stature," he said.