President Ruto addresses Raphael Tuju’s plight, accuses opposition of ‘misleading’ him

SIAYA, Kenya – President William Ruto has finally opened up about the woes facing former Cabinet secretary Raphael Tuju.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, during his development tour of Siaya County, the head of state accused opposition leaders of what he termed ‘misleading’ Tuju.

“The other day, they (opposition leaders) misled Tuju, advising him to go into hiding in his bedroom. He then lied to the public that he had been abducted. Just imagine?” said President Ruto.

President Ruto further observed that Tuju, a former MP representing Rarieda Constituency in Siaya County, needs ‘honest’ friends.

“Tuju needs honest advice. He needs to be helped. He doesn’t need scavengers who are trying to scavenge about the misfortune of a citizen,” added the head of state.

He further accused the opposition of leveraging on the misfortunes of Tuju to gain popularity.

“We want Tuju to get advice so that he can be supported on how best to recover his property so that he can continue with his normal life,” emphasised President Ruto.

What President Ruto thinks Tuju should do

According to President Ruto, Tuju doesn’t need all the people who have surrounded him.

“They have gone to the extent of dragging the name of retired president Uhuru Kenyatta in this matter,” added President Ruto.

Tuju, a former Cabinet secretary and prominent political figure, has previously served in various government capacities, including as minister for foreign affairs and as a party leader.

Tuju’s case began on Sunday, March 23, 2026, when he was reported missing under unfavourable circumstances. This caused concerns among the public and sparked widespread conjecture around the country.

What befell Tuju after he reappeared?

When Tuju appeared on Monday, March 23, 2026, the mystery was resolved, but the issue of what had become of him arose again.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated that he had been arrested shortly after his reappearance, while investigations were launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.

This comes as Tuju is battling a court case over the auction of his prime properties in Karen.

Tuju has since written to Chief Justice Martha Koome, complaining about the conduct of some judicial officers and their integrity while questioning the process to grant auctioneers leeway to auction his Karen property to proceed.