In a bold political statement that has sent shockwaves across Kenya, top Luo leaders descended on former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju’s embattled Dari Business Park on Saturday, slamming a heavy police siege as “excessive” and “unlawful” hours after a dramatic 2am raid evicted him from the multi-billion-shilling Karen property.
ODM Chairperson and Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga, Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo (Tuju’s lawyer and constituency predecessor), and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino led the high-profile delegation. They were joined by Safina Party leader Jimmy Wanjigi and renowned law professor PLO Lumumba at the locked gates of the sprawling Gong Road complex.
The visit comes after more than 50 armed officers – reportedly from the elite Rapid Response Unit – stormed the premises in the dead of night, forcibly removing Tuju and sealing off the 27-acre prime property over a long-running KSh 1.9 billion loan dispute with a bank. Auctioneers had moved in following a court ruling allowing the sale to recover the debt, though Tuju has been granted leave to appeal and has publicly accused powerful forces of eyeing the land grab rather than repayment.
Addressing the media outside the cordoned-off facility, the leaders demanded immediate clarification from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
“We have come here in support of Tuju. He is not just my predecessor but also from my constituency. I am his lawyer,” Otiende Amolo declared firmly. “Whatever decision the court makes, we will respect. In the meantime, there is no order authorizing police presence here. When there is no such order, it leaves the owner with limited options. I appeal to the police to follow proper procedures until a court order is issued.”
Babu Owino echoed the outrage over the early-morning deployment: “I am here in support of Tuju. Whatever he is experiencing is concerning. Disputes should be resolved through appropriate channels.”
Wanjigi went further, branding the operation disproportionate: “Tuju has expressed concerns about the handling of the situation. The level of police presence over this matter appears excessive. We are here to support him.”
Tuju himself, visibly affected, told reporters the lockdown had crippled operations: “Some tenants have been unable to access their units. Businesses that rely on weekend trade are impacted. I am seeking clarity on the procedures being followed. There has been no court order permitting these actions.”
Gladys Wanga stood in silent solidarity, underscoring the weight of Luo Nyanza backing – marking what observers call the first major public show of support from the region for the former Rarieda MP and Foreign Affairs CS.
The standoff has sparked fierce online debate, with questions swirling about the heavy-handed tactics amid a years-long legal battle. Tenants at the park, home to nearly 25 businesses including Tuju’s office, remain locked out as police maintain their cordon.
As calls grow for the IG to review the deployment, one thing is clear: this is no ordinary property dispute – it has ignited fresh political heat in Kenya’s corridors of power.
The court will have the final say, but for now, the message from Tuju’s powerful allies is loud: Enough is enough.
