Kenya demands answers over Kenyan detained in South Sudan for 8 months
Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has raised concerns over the detention of a Kenyan citizen in South Sudan
The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has raised concerns over the detention of a Kenyan citizen in South Sudan after reports confirmed that he has remained under house arrest for over eight months without judicial charges.
The matter was raised by the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’Oei, on Tuesday, July 7, during a meeting with South Sudan’s Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan, Ambassador Barnaba Bol Nyuol.
According to Sing’Oei, Kenya had expressed concern over the welfare and treatment of its nationals in South Sudan, including the case of Timothy Maina Nderi, who is reportedly being held under house arrest.
“During our discussions, I conveyed the Government of Kenya’s concern regarding the welfare and treatment of Kenyan nationals in South Sudan.
In particular, I raised the case of Mr Timothy Maina Nderi, who has reportedly remained under house arrest for the past eight months without formal judicial charges,” Sing’Oei stated.
According to the PS, Kenya’s embassy officials in South Sudan have also been denied consular access despite repeated formal requests.
He added that access to detained citizens is important for ensuring their welfare and protecting their rights while abroad, something South Sudanese authorities have denied for over eight months now.
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“I also expressed concern over the continued denial of consular access to officials from the Embassy of Kenya in Juba, despite repeated formal requests,” he added.
Although the PS did not reveal the circumstances behind the Kenyan’s detention, he stated that detention of such magnitude should only be imposed after formal judicial charges.
During the meeting, Kenya also raised concerns over the security situation facing Kenyan truck drivers operating in South Sudan.
The ministry cited reports of armed attacks, robbery, extortion, harassment, and intimidation along key transport routes, aimed at Kenyan drivers, after concerns were raised by the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA).
Sing’Oei highlighted the case of one Kenyan truck driver who was allegedly attacked by South Sudanese security personnel along the Juba–Nesitu Road and is currently hospitalised in critical condition.
He called on South Sudanese authorities to urgently address the concerns and ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of Kenyan nationals.
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