NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has accused unnamed senior political figures of involving his children in efforts to persuade him to cooperate with authorities over a criminal case linked to his reported abduction.
Speaking before Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo at Kibera Law Courts, Tuju said he would not accept attempts to bring his family into the proceedings, claiming the alleged approaches had caused his children emotional distress.
He told the court that his children had returned home in tears after being asked to convince him to cooperate so the case could be concluded.
Tuju did not identify the individuals he accused of approaching his family, and the allegations had not been independently established.
The former Cabinet Secretary said he had sought to respect the judicial process but would not change his position because of what he described as pressure involving his children.
His remarks added another dimension to a case that has drawn attention since his reported disappearance in March 2026.
Tuju challenges prosecution’s case
Tuju also questioned the basis of the prosecution’s case, describing the charge sheet as defective and criticising the lawyers handling the matter.
He expressed sympathy for the prosecutors and the magistrate, saying he believed the court was being presented with arguments that lacked merit.
The former Cabinet Secretary further alleged that efforts to have one of his children testify for the prosecution had failed.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged approach to his children, including who was involved and what was communicated, were not detailed in the remarks reported from court.
What the charge against Tuju involves
Tuju is facing a charge under Section 129(a) of the Penal Code over an allegation that he knowingly gave false information to a police officer.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offence occurred on March 21, 2026, at Entim Sidai Spa and Wellness Sanctuary in Karen, Nairobi.
The State alleges that Tuju reported being followed by unknown assailants and subsequently abducted, despite allegedly knowing the information was false.
Tuju has denied the charge. The prosecution’s allegations have therefore not been established by a conviction.
The case followed a period of uncertainty over Tuju’s whereabouts, which prompted public concern and police investigations. He later resurfaced and maintained that he had gone into hiding because he feared for his safety.
Tuju’s latest remarks also echo concerns he raised publicly in September about the toll his legal troubles had taken on his children. At the time, he said they had experienced harassment and humiliation but did not identify those he held responsible.
