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 The Standard recently published an intriguing story attributed to Raphael Tuju, claiming he had returned to the country after visiting Rwanda. According to the report, Tuju even joked that he could buy the reporter a cup of tea.

Here’s where it gets interesting. For a trained journalist, someone who seemingly vanished reappearing and offering tea should be a big deal. A journalist would jump at the chance to interview such a person, armed with cameras and questions. Yet, strangely, the article lacks any such follow-up. It feels almost like a press release—something constructed and planted in the media.

Unless the government can present Raphael Tuju at a live, well-documented press conference, it will struggle to convince Kenyans of his whereabouts. The public is far more likely to trust social media chatter, which has taken on a life of its own with sensational claims.

According to rumors circulating online, Raphael Tuju is allegedly in an Italian prison after being arrested in Tanzania for espionage. The story suggests that when Raila Odinga traveled to Zanzibar, Kenyan spies followed him. Six Kenyan operatives, reportedly including Tuju, were allegedly apprehended by Tanzanian authorities. While unverified, this narrative has captured public imagination.

Examining the Rumors

Although the claim of Tuju's imprisonment remains unconfirmed, it is worth exploring whether such incidents have occurred before. In this case, Tanzania’s strong stance against espionage comes into focus. No country, including Kenya, would tolerate foreign spies on its soil.

Many Kenyans, particularly those aligned with the opposition, have shown little sympathy for the alleged spies. Instead, they appear to support Tanzania’s actions, which they see as justified. Even legally, espionage is a grave offense. Tanzanians, on their part, are reportedly surprised by the lack of outrage from Kenyans, who seem unbothered by the arrest of their countrymen.

A Historical Parallel

One notable case sheds light on Tanzania’s strict approach to law enforcement. In 2004, popular Congolese musician Babushe Viking (commonly known as Baba Seya) and his three sons were convicted of statutory rape and sentenced to life imprisonment. Tanzanian law considers any sexual relations with minors to be rape, as minors cannot legally consent.

At the time, Congolese musicians were widely beloved in Tanzania. Baba Seya’s fame and long-standing presence in the country made the case shocking. However, rumors circulated that the charges against him were fabricated. Some alleged that he had been targeted because of an affair with the wife of a prominent Tanzanian politician.

The evidence presented in court was deemed airtight, and both Baba Seya and his sons were convicted. While two sons were released on appeal in 2010, Baba Seya and another son remained imprisoned until 2017, when they were pardoned by President John Magufuli.

The Current Implications

If the rumors about Tuju are true, it is unlikely he will be released anytime soon, given Tanzania's history of strict enforcement and politically charged legal cases. Complicating matters further, Raila Odinga and President Magufuli have a longstanding friendship. For Kenya to secure Tuju’s release, it may require an appeal to Raila—a situation that could prove politically embarrassing for the Kenyan government.

This scenario offers an important lesson: never repay good deeds with bad actions. Betraying someone who has supported you is bound to have consequences, whether through political karma or personal relationships.