President William Ruto has weighed in on the ongoing troubles facing Raphel Tuju warning that the former Cabinet Secretary needs sincere guidance and protection rather than people taking advantage of his situation as his legal and financial woes deepen.
Speaking on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sh1 billion Usenge Pier in Bondo Constituency, Siaya County, the President said Tuju’s situation had attracted individuals more interested in benefiting from his misfortune than helping him resolve the crisis.
“Tuju needs honest friends. He needs honest advice. He doesn’t need scavengers who are trying to scavenge about the misfortune of a citizen.” The President said.
Tuju is currently at the centre of a long-running multi-billion shilling dispute involving prime properties in Karen, Nairobi, alongside a series of court battles and a controversial disappearance that initially raised fears of an abduction.
The President stressed that Tuju should be guided properly so he can safeguard his investments and rebuild his life, cautioning against those he described as opportunists interfering in the matter.
“We want Tuju to be advised and helped so that his property can be saved and he can move forward. But he does not need those conmen and crooks who keep disturbing him.”
At the heart of the dispute is a loan taken in 2015 from the East African Development Bank by Tuju’s company, Dari Limited, to fund a high-end real estate and hospitality project in Karen. The loan was secured using key assets including Dari Business Park, Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary and Tamarind Karen.
The project later ran into financial challenges, leading to a default and a prolonged legal fight over repayment and ownership of the properties. Recent court decisions have allowed lenders and auctioneers to move forward with recovery efforts, including plans to auction the properties, a move Tuju has continued to challenge through appeals and applications in court.
Tensions escalated earlier this month when auctioneers, accompanied by security personnel, attempted to take control of one of the Karen properties, resulting in a standoff. Tuju maintained the action was unlawful, insisting the matter was still before the courts and refusing to vacate the premises.
The situation took a dramatic turn shortly after when Tuju was reported missing. His car was found abandoned in Karen with hazard lights on, sparking fears he had been abducted. The incident drew concern from political leaders and the public, but investigators later indicated that the disappearance appeared to have been staged rather than a genuine abduction.
The incident occurred at a time when pressure over the property dispute was mounting. Tuju had previously claimed that powerful individuals were interested in taking over his properties and that he had received threats linked to the case.
The dispute has since grown into a complex mix of legal battles, property claims, political accusations and public attention, making it one of the most talked-about issues in the country in recent weeks.
President Ruto also took issue with attempts to draw other leaders into the matter, particularly former President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying the dispute should not be turned into political attacks.
“They have even gone as far as dragging the name of Uhuru Kenyatta into their mess. These people are useless.”
His remarks come at a time when the saga is increasingly taking on a political angle, with leaders weighing in even as the legal process continues.
Despite the public attention and political reactions, the core issues remain unresolved, with court proceedings ongoing and the fate of the Karen properties yet to be determined. As the case unfolds, the dispute continues to draw national focus, shifting from a financial disagreement into a wider political and public matter
