Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has raised concerns over the handling of a long-running loan dispute involving former CS Raphael Tuju.
The governor warned that recent developments in the matter raise serious questions about how institutions tasked with protecting the rule of law are operating.
“The recent events surrounding the handling of Hon. Raphael Tuju’s loan dispute and commercial affairs raise serious questions about the conduct of institutions entrusted with upholding the rule of law in our country,” Nyong’o said.
He noted that Kenya has made significant sacrifices over the years to build a democratic society founded on the protection of civil liberties and citizens’ rights.
Use of Police in Civil Dispute
Nyong’o criticized what he described as the involvement of uniformed police officers in a matter that he says fall within civil and commercial law.
“The use of uniformed police officers whose primary duty is to maintain law and order to facilitate actions that seemingly bypass established legal processes is troubling,” he said.
According to the governor, disputes involving debt recovery should be handled through transparent legal channels rather than actions that appear coercive.
ALSO READ:
- Nassir Dismisses Claims of Divisions Within ODM
- Government Commends Nyakach and Kericho Leaders for Advancing Peace
- Wetang’ula Urges Kenyan Leaders to Lower Political Temperatures
He also raised concerns over reports of night-time operations connected to the dispute, saying such actions create legitimate public questions about the legal basis under which they are conducted.
Tuju Claims Police Stormed Karen Property
Nyong’o’s remarks came after Tuju alleged that police officers raided his property in Karen in the early hours of Saturday morning.
In a video message, Tuju said more than 50 police officers arrived at his Dari Business Park at about 3am.
According to him, several vehicles accompanied the officers, some of them unmarked.
“The orders have come from so high that they are simply taking care of their jobs. They are simply obeying orders,” Tuju said.
He claimed the officers ordered everyone inside the compound to leave, including workers at a restaurant located within the complex.
Tuju Says No Court Order Was Presented
Tuju insisted the officers did not produce any court order authorizing the operation.
“The police who kicked us out together with my guards have no court order. And even if they had a court order, the law doesn’t allow them to come and kick me out of my premises at 3am in the morning. This is not law,” he said.
The former minister said he was determined to defend his family business despite the ongoing legal battle.
“I am steadfast. I’m ready to die because many other people have made this kind of sacrifices. It is a sacrifice for the truth,” he said.
“If somebody had a paper they have an eviction order they should come. In the meantime, we are at the Court of Appeal on Monday.”
Loan Dispute Linked to Sh2.2 Billion Debt
The dispute stems from a long-running legal battle between Tuju and the East African Development Bank.
The case involves a Sh1.5 billion loan facility granted to Tuju’s company Dari Limited in 2015.
In 2019, the High Court of Justice ordered Tuju to repay Sh2.2 billion, a judgment that was later recognized by Kenyan courts.
The Court of Appeal of Kenya upheld the decision, while the Supreme Court of Kenya declined to suspend enforcement of the ruling.
Karen Properties at Centre of Legal Battle
Two prime properties in Karen are at the center of the dispute:
- Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary
- Tamarind Karen and Dari Business Park along Ngong Road
A recent ruling by Josephine Mongare allowed lenders and auctioneers to proceed with recovering the properties.
The judge ruled that Tuju’s latest application was “a blatant abuse of court process.”
Tuju Vows to Continue Legal Fight
Despite the rulings, Tuju said he will continue pursuing legal options.
“We are at the Court of Appeal on Monday. They don’t want to wait until we get a hearing, so they’d like to pre-empt any decisions that could be made by the court,” he said.
He also thanked Kenyans who have supported him during the dispute.
“I thank the Kenyans. I encourage Kenyans going through such things to remain steadfast and fight for their rights,” Tuju added.
