Ruto Blames Opposition for Misleading Tuju, Warns Against Political Exploitation

President William Ruto has accused opposition leaders of politicising the recent incident involving former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.

Speaking during a public address in Siaya County on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as part of his ongoing development tour of the Nyanza region, Ruto condemned the opposition for spreading misleading information about Tuju’s temporary disappearance.

The President said that rather than offering genuine support, certain leaders had exploited the situation for political mileage.

“Unajua hawa watu walienda kumdanganya Tuju wakamwambia aende ajifiche kwa bedroom yake na aseme ati amekuwa abducted. Tuju needs honest friends. He needs advice, but he does not need scavengers who are trying to scavenge about the misfortunes of a citizen. We want to give Tuju advice so that he can be helped, but he does not need those scavengers,” Ruto stated.

The President emphasised that Tuju required sincere and trustworthy allies during the challenging period, rather than individuals driven by opportunism. 

Ruto further expressed concern over a growing trend of misinformation and sensationalism in Kenya’s political space, arguing that the focus should be on practical solutions, such as helping Tuju address his arrears, instead of fabricating dramatic narratives.

The Tuju saga began on Sunday, March 23, 2026, when the former CS was reported missing under unclear circumstances, causing nationwide speculation. 

Tuju later resurfaced on Monday, March 23, 2026, ending the immediate uncertainty. However, questions regarding the details of his disappearance quickly arose, prompting the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to launch an investigation and subsequently detain him as part of the inquiry into the incident.

Political analysts note that Ruto’s comments highlight a broader concern over the use of personal misfortunes as tools for political gain, a trend that he argues undermines public trust in leadership. 

The President urged opposition leaders to prioritise transparency and responsible conduct when engaging with sensitive issues involving citizens.

The incident comes amid heightened political activity in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, with parties closely monitoring the moves of key figures such as Tuju. 

Observers suggest that the situation illustrates the delicate balance between personal privacy and public interest in Kenya’s political discourse.