Raphael Ongangi and wife Veronica. She has been quoted in media confirming that she had spoken to him. [Standard]

The police have launched a search for a Kenyan businessman abducted in Tanzania and allegedly dumped by Tanzania's security in Mombasa on Tuesday.

The Standard established that police headquarters was alarmed by social media reports that Raphael Ongangi, who allegedly has ties to Tanzania's opposition and has been missing for days, was secretly sneaked across Kenya's border and dumped in Mombasa.

Authorities suspect the businessman might be admitted in a hospital under a different name.

According to media reports, Mr Ongangi was dumped in Mombasa and taken to hospital by a relative, sparking reports that some Kenyan officials had cooperated with Tanzania's intelligence to deport the trader.

Mombasa County police commander Johnstone Ipara said officers commanding stations in the six sub-counties led the joint operation by visiting all private and public hospitals in an attempt to trace the missing businessman without success.

Ongangi's wife had been quoted in media confirming that she had spoken to him.