Ruto to Tuju: You need honest friends

President William Ruto on Tuesday waded into the controversy surrounding the plight of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, hinting at the possibility of government intervention to rescue Mr Tuju from his mounting troubles.

Even as he extended a note of concern, the President urged Mr Tuju to seek sound counsel, advising him to surround himself with individuals capable of offering prudent guidance on the management of his properties.

Dr Ruto was critical of some of those within the former Jubilee Party Secretary-General’s inner circle, accusing them of fuelling the very difficulties that now beset him, including what he termed a “staged disappearance”.

According to the President, Mr Tuju had been misadvised, a misstep that culminated in his arrest on Monday.

“They went and told Tuju to hide in his bedroom and claim that he had been abducted, just imagine. Tuju needs honest friends. He does not need scavengers preying on the misfortunes of a citizen,” Dr Ruto said.

Police indicated that Mr Tuju was found hiding within his own home, even as his family had reported him missing.

Reiterating his call, Dr Ruto maintained that the former Cabinet Secretary requires genuine allies who can steer him towards clarity and stability.

Mr Tuju has been locked in a protracted struggle to safeguard his Nairobi property, Dari Business Park, from auction over an unpaid bank loan. At one point, he was reportedly evicted from his residence in the dead of night, an episode that underscored the gravity of his predicament.

Following his reappearance, Mr Tuju was escorted by security officers to Karen Police Station to record a statement. He explained that he had gone into hiding after noticing an unmarked vehicle trailing him on Saturday, despite having reported a similar incident to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

At the station, he was accompanied by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, DAP-K leader Eugine Wamalwa and advocate Ndegwa Njiru.

The President further alleged that Mr Tuju had acted on advice from opposition figures, which ultimately led to his arrest. He accused sections of the opposition of seeking political mileage from the misfortunes of others.

“We want Mr Tuju to receive proper counsel so that his property can be salvaged and he can move on with his life. He does not need those con artists. They have even gone to the extent of dragging the name of Uhuru Kenyatta into their mess,” he said.

The Head of State reiterated that Mr Tuju’s situation demands careful guidance and, if possible, intervention to avert the looming auction of his property. Without prescribing a specific remedy, Dr Ruto urged him to move forward with resolve and rebuild.

Dr Ruto made the remarks in Sori Town, Nyatike West, Migori County, after laying the foundation stone for an affordable housing project.

The President also addressed past allegations concerning his own business dealings, dismissing them as unfounded and affirming their legitimacy. He revealed that he is actively engaged in maize farming, describing himself as a proud farmer who contributes to the nation’s food security.

“I sell eggs every morning. I also sell maize every year,” Dr Ruto said, adding that he also keeps cows and poultry.

In a pointed critique, he accused some opposition figures of lacking even the most basic engagement with agriculture, alleging that some had instead been involved in grabbing land belonging to the National Youth Service, land he claimed remains idle.

“These people cannot lead the country. If they cannot operate their farms, what makes them think they can govern? They can do nothing for the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

Dr Ruto further remarked that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua should refrain from offering advice on national matters.