3AM Drama in Karen as Former Minister Raphael Tuju Evicted Over KSh2.2 Billion Debt

Former Cabinet Secretary and Rarieda MP Raphael Tuju was dramatically evicted from his Karen property in Nairobi in the early hours of Saturday morning over a multi-billion-shilling bank loan dispute.

The operation reportedly took place at around 3am at his Karen property, a high-value commercial complex linked to Tuju. Witnesses say police officers arrived at the premises and ordered everyone out before securing the property.

According to reports from those at the scene, the officers forced their way into the compound and instructed workers and occupants to leave immediately. The gate to the property was later locked after the eviction.

Sources claimed the officers did not present an eviction order during the operation. “They came in the middle of the night and told everyone to leave. No documents were shown to us,” a witness said.

The dramatic eviction follows a long-running financial dispute between Tuju and the East African Development Bank over a loan amounting to KSh2.2 billion.

Court documents indicate that the loan was taken roughly a decade ago to finance business operations linked to the property. However, the debt dispute later escalated into a legal battle after repayment challenges emerged.

Earlier this week, the High Court cleared the way for the auctioning of Tuju’s properties in order to recover the outstanding loan. The ruling opened the door for creditors to take action against assets connected to the debt.

Just days before Saturday’s eviction, the facility had reportedly been targeted in another incident. On Wednesday night, individuals believed to be hired goons allegedly stormed the property in what appeared to be an attempt to take control of the premises.

The back-to-back confrontations have raised fresh questions about the unfolding battle over the high-value property.

Tuju has since moved to the Court of Appeal in an effort to block the High Court decision allowing the auction of his assets.

Legal sources say the former minister is challenging the ruling in a bid to protect the property while the dispute is reviewed.

The case is expected to continue drawing public attention as the courts determine the fate of the disputed property and the outstanding loan.