Kenya demands answers over citizen held under house arrest in South Sudan for 8 months

Kenyan Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei (Photo Credit: The Kenyan Diaspora Media)

Kenya has formally raised concerns with South Sudan over the prolonged detention of a Kenyan national who has reportedly spent more than eight months under house arrest without being presented with formal charges.

The matter was taken up by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei during a meeting on Tuesday with South Sudan's Deputy Head of Mission to Kenya, Ambassador Barnaba Bol Nyuol, as Nairobi sought clarity over the circumstances surrounding the detention and the welfare of its citizen.

Sing'Oei said Kenya had raised broader concerns regarding the treatment of its nationals in South Sudan, with particular attention drawn to the case of Timothy Maina Nderi, who is said to have remained under house arrest for an extended period without access to judicial proceedings.

"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," stated Sing'Oei.

The Principal Secretary also expressed frustration over the reported lack of access granted to Kenyan diplomatic officials seeking to visit and provide consular support to the detained citizen.

"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.

Consular access is a key diplomatic mechanism that allows governments to monitor the welfare of their citizens abroad, provide legal assistance and ensure that their rights are protected while in detention.

The PS said the continued denial of access had raised concerns about the condition and treatment of the Kenyan national.

Although the government did not disclose details surrounding Nderi's detention or the allegations against him, Sing'Oei stressed that prolonged restrictions on an individual's freedom should be addressed through established legal processes.

Kenya also used the engagement to highlight growing security concerns affecting Kenyan truck drivers operating in South Sudan.

The government cited reports of attacks, robbery, extortion, harassment and intimidation targeting Kenyan transport operators along major trade routes.

The concerns were raised following complaints from the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA), which has called for stronger protection of drivers working in the region.

Sing'Oei specifically pointed to the case of a Kenyan truck driver who was allegedly attacked by South Sudanese security personnel along the Juba–Nesitu Road last week and is currently receiving treatment in hospital in critical condition.

The Principal Secretary called on South Sudanese authorities to take urgent action to address the reported incidents and ensure the safety and dignity of Kenyan citizens living, working and conducting business in the country.

The concerns come as Kenya and South Sudan continue to deepen economic ties, with cross-border transport and trade serving as a key link between the two economies. Thousands of Kenyan traders, drivers and professionals operate in South Sudan, making the protection of citizens abroad a growing priority for Nairobi.

The latest diplomatic engagement signals Kenya's push for stronger accountability and cooperation from regional partners as it seeks to safeguard the interests of its citizens beyond its borders.

Source: https://thekenyandiaspora.com/stories/7958/Kenya-demands-answers-over-citizen-held-under-house-arrest-in-South-Sudan-for-8-months