Speaking during his tour of Migori County on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Ruto accused Tuju’s associates of misleading him into hiding and fabricating the abduction story for personal gain.
“They lied to him. They asked him to go and hide in his bedroom, then claim that he was abducted,” Ruto stated.
“They lied to him. They asked him to go and hide in his bedroom, then claim that he was abducted,” Ruto stated.
He explained that Tuju needed honest friends and practical advice to recover from his financial and property-related difficulties, rather than individuals seeking to exploit his situation for publicity and influence.
Ruto warned that certain leaders had tried to involve retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in the drama, further politicising a personal ordeal.
Ruto warned that certain leaders had tried to involve retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in the drama, further politicising a personal ordeal.
“He needs advice so that he can be helped to save his property. Not conmen who have even invoked Uhuru Kenyatta's name in their drama,” the President emphasized, highlighting what he described as opportunistic behaviour by some political actors.
The saga began when Tuju was reported missing on Sunday, March 23, 2026, prompting widespread speculation and concern across the country.
The saga began when Tuju was reported missing on Sunday, March 23, 2026, prompting widespread speculation and concern across the country.
He resurfaced the following day, claiming he had gone into hiding for fear of his life after being trailed by an unmarked vehicle.
However, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations refuted his account, confirming that Tuju had remained at his Karen residence throughout the period he was reportedly missing.
Following investigations, the DCI arrested Tuju and charged him with providing false information to a public officer, citing Section 129(a) of the Penal Code.
Following investigations, the DCI arrested Tuju and charged him with providing false information to a public officer, citing Section 129(a) of the Penal Code.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru shared the official charge sheet, confirming that the former CS would be arraigned in court.
Authorities stated that the action was necessary to safeguard the credibility of law enforcement and deter others from attempting similar fabrications.
Political analysts suggest that Ruto’s remarks are intended both to defend the integrity of law enforcement institutions and to send a stern warning to opposition leaders attempting to manipulate public perception for partisan advantage.
Political analysts suggest that Ruto’s remarks are intended both to defend the integrity of law enforcement institutions and to send a stern warning to opposition leaders attempting to manipulate public perception for partisan advantage.
By framing the incident as opportunistic and politically motivated, Ruto reinforced his message that governance and accountability should take precedence over political theatrics.
Observers note that the episode underscores a growing tension between personal crises and political exploitation in Kenya’s landscape, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership.
Observers note that the episode underscores a growing tension between personal crises and political exploitation in Kenya’s landscape, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership.
Ruto’s public statements aim to reassure the public that such incidents will be addressed with clarity and fairness, while discouraging manipulation of sensitive situations for political leverage.
The Tuju saga continues to attract national attention, with stakeholders monitoring both the legal proceedings and the broader political ramifications as Kenya approaches the 2027 general elections.
The Tuju saga continues to attract national attention, with stakeholders monitoring both the legal proceedings and the broader political ramifications as Kenya approaches the 2027 general elections.
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politics