Kenya Demands Immediate Action Over Citizen Held Without Trial in South Sudan

Kenya has formally protested to South Sudan over the detention of a Kenyan citizen without charge, the denial of consular access, and a series of attacks on Kenyan truck drivers operating in the country.

The concerns were raised by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei during a meeting in Nairobi with South Sudan’s Deputy Head of Mission to Kenya, Ambassador Barnaba Bol Nyuol. According to the Kenyan government, one Kenyan citizen has remained under house arrest in South Sudan for eight months without appearing before a court.

It also said repeated requests by the Kenyan Embassy in Juba to visit the man have been refused, raising concerns about compliance with international rules governing consular access. Sing’Oei also raised concerns about the safety of Kenyan transporters working in South Sudan.

He referred to reports of armed attacks, robberies and harassment targeting truck drivers along major transport routes. In one recent incident, a Kenyan driver was allegedly assaulted by South Sudanese security personnel on the Juba–Nesitu Road. The driver is reported to be in critical condition after the attack.

Kenya has called on South Sudan’s diplomatic mission to engage the relevant authorities and address the issues without delay. Sing’Oei said protecting Kenyan citizens abroad remains a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and expressed the expectation that South Sudan would respond in keeping with the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

“I called upon the Embassy to urgently engage the relevant authorities to address these concerns in the spirit of the longstanding friendship, mutual respect and brotherly relations between Kenya and South Sudan, while ensuring the safety, dignity and rights of Kenyan nationals,” he said.

The developments come at an important time for trade between the neighbouring countries. The Juba transport corridor is a key route for the movement of goods between Kenya and South Sudan, and continued insecurity along the road could disrupt trade and affect those who depend on it. Thousands of Kenyans work in South Sudan in sectors including transport, banking, education and hospitality, making their safety a significant concern for both governments.