Family Plea for Kenyan Girl Held in Thai Prison

A family of a Kenyan arrested in Thailand has appealed to the Foreign Affairs ministry to help secure her release. Yesterday, Mercy Mong'ina's father Samuel Getanda said he has asked the ministry to help secure the release or repatriation of his daughter.

Mong'ina, 26, who reportedly secured an employment in the foreign country two years ago, has been in jail in the last three months. "We have now left the issue to the embassies and even the embassy in Bangkok is aware because we have discussed the matter with them," said Getanda.

Mongina's sister Jackline Getanda said her younger sister's two young children who live in Kenya have been affected by their mother's arrest. "They lack the motherly love and we think if the case is referred to Kenya they can have an opportunity to meet their mother and share with her," she said, adding that "We want the government to intercede in the matter to ensure she is released or her alleged case referred to Kenya."

Yesterday, an official at the Kenya's embassy at Bangkok in Thailand identified as Peter Opiyo confirmed the arrest. "As far as we are concerned the girl is still an accused person," he added. Ministry of Foreign affairs assistant minister Richard Onyonka could not be reached for comments by the time of going to press yesterday as his personal assistant said he was in a meeting. Rights groups have in the past asked Parliament to formulate a law to protect Kenyan citizens living and working abroad

The Star