Eliud Owalo, the former Sports Cabinet Secretary, on Monday visited Raphael Tuju at his Dari Business Park offices and expressed solidarity amid a high-profile commercial dispute.
Owalo said he empathized with Tuju, who has reportedly been locked out of his premises, describing the situation as a matter that should be resolved through civil legal channels rather than involving criminal law enforcement.
“My take is that this is a commercial dispute that should be sorted out within the confines of Civil Law as opposed to criminal law,” Owalo said. He criticized the deployment of police officers at a private facility over the matter, calling it “in total contradiction to the rule of law.”
The former minister warned that the intervention of law enforcement in such disputes could have broader implications for the country’s business environment. “The same not only sends a chilling message to local entrepreneurs but may scare away foreign capital inflow to the detriment of our economy,” Owalo said.
Owalo’s visit comes as the dispute continues to draw public attention, highlighting the delicate balance between enforcing the law and ensuring a conducive environment for private business. Legal experts have noted that commercial disagreements are generally handled in civil courts, and unnecessary police involvement can escalate tensions unnecessarily.
Owalo urged all parties involved to seek resolution through established legal channels and emphasized the need for policies that protect both private property rights and Kenya’s reputation as an investment-friendly nation.
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