Nairobi has asked Juba to address concerns affecting Kenyans in South Sudan, ranging from the detention of citizens without formal charges to security threats facing truck drivers operating across South Sudan.
The grievances were raised by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Sing’Oei during a meeting with South Sudan’s Deputy Head of Mission to Kenya, Barnaba Bol Nyuol, on Tuesday, as Nairobi pressed Juba to address the complaints affecting Kenyans.
“During our discussions, I conveyed the Government of Kenya's concern regarding the welfare and treatment of Kenyan nationals in South Sudan,” Sing’Oei said on X after the meeting.
One of the key issues raised by the PS was the case of Kenyan citizen Timothy Maina Nderi, who has reportedly remained under detention for months without being taken through a formal judicial process. Kenya is seeking answers over the circumstances surrounding Nderi’s continued confinement and the lack of legal proceedings against him.
Sing’Oei also raised concerns over the inability of Kenya’s diplomatic officials in Juba to access Nderi despite repeated requests for consular engagement. Such access is considered a key responsibility of diplomatic missions when their citizens encounter legal or security challenges abroad.
The government similarly pointed to broader concerns over the safety of Kenyan truck drivers transporting goods into South Sudan.
According to Sing’Oei, Kenyan truck drivers have continued to face security challenges on the routes they use, including attacks, theft and alleged extortion.
“I further highlighted the deteriorating security situation facing Kenyan truck drivers operating in South Sudan, who continue to report incidents of armed attacks, robbery, extortion, harassment, and intimidation while transporting goods,” Sing’Oei said.
The PS specifically highlighted the case of a truck driver, identified as Mzee Malalo, who was allegedly attacked while travelling along the Juba–Nesitu Road last week. According to Sing’Oei, the incident had raised further concerns because of claims that security personnel were involved.
“I specifically highlighted the case of Mzee Malalo, a Kenyan truck driver who, according to the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association, was attacked by South Sudanese security personnel along the Juba–Nesitu Road and is currently hospitalised in critical condition,” Sing’Oei said.
The concerns raised by Nairobi come amid continued insecurity in South Sudan, where the United Nations (UN) has warned that violence against civilians remains a major challenge. In a statement on June 30, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said it documented 206 incidents of conflict-related violence affecting 1,388 civilians between January and March 2026, including 767 deaths, 457 injuries, 93 abductions and 71 cases of conflict-related sexual violence.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google