Kenyan Ex-Minister arrested after Police allege staged disappearance

Former Kenyan Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju was arrested on Monday, following a reported disappearance that had sparked abduction fears. Police now accuse him of fabricating the incident.

Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin alleged Tuju had been at his residence the entire time, calling it a “carefully staged disappearance.”

Tuju had earlier told a local station he went into hiding after being followed by an unmarked vehicle.

The former minister is embroiled in a long-running legal battle over the auction of his properties tied to an unsettled $15 million debt. His family had reported him missing after he failed to appear for a radio interview.

Police said they view providing false information as a serious offense. Tuju claimed he abandoned his car to evade followers, thanking Kenyans for their concern and citing past abductions as reason for not seeking police help.