Raphael Tuju Confronts Auctioneers Over Alleged Illegal Takeover of Karen Property

In widely circulated video footage, Tuju is seen firmly instructing the intruders to leave the premises immediately, stressing that they had no right to be there and urging respect for his staff and property. The group, which included youths on motorbikes who had blocked the main entrance, claimed they were acting on behalf of new owners following a supposed recent auction of the site, home to businesses such as the Tamarind Restaurant.

Tuju described the incident as an attempted illegal occupation and act of intimidation, asserting that the property dispute remains under active court proceedings with no valid transfer of ownership having taken place. He pointed to a High Court decision issued on March 9, 2026, which allowed the East African Development Bank (EADB) to pursue recovery of more than Ksh 1.9 billion in debt owed by his company, Dari Limited, from a loan dating back over ten years. Despite earlier failed efforts to halt auctions—including a Supreme Court rejection in 2023 and unsuccessful injunction applications in 2024—Tuju confirmed his intention to appeal the latest ruling, maintaining that his constitutional rights entitle him to continue legal challenges without facing coercive pressure.

Standing resolute, the former information minister declared he would never surrender the property under duress, warning that any forced eviction during ongoing litigation would constitute unlawful intimidation. He accused those behind the debt recovery of engaging in unethical practices and corruption. As of reports dated March 12, 2026, the standoff had not been resolved, with no completed sale or ownership change recorded, leaving Tuju committed to defending his position through the judicial process amid the long-running multi-billion-shilling conflict.