Mother Appeals for Help After Son Shot, Detained in Saudi Arabia

A mother from Murang'a County is seeking assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the public to bring her son back to Kenya from a prison in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on Saturday during an interview, the woman recounted the story of her son's journey to Saudi Arabia. Initially, he was filled with joy upon securing a job in a foreign land. However, his happiness quickly morphed into despair when he was unexpectedly shot and apprehended by law enforcement officers who offered no justification for their actions. The mother revealed that her son had initially been employed before venturing into the cab business. Despite facing termination from his first job, he decided to remain in the Gulf country. Regrettably, this decision led to his subsequent arrest and shooting, ultimately resulting in a lengthy two-year imprisonment.

The mother's anticipation of her son's freedom remains unfulfilled. Despite disclosing that her son was shot by law enforcement while at work, no additional information regarding his arrest has since been offered. In a separate conversation, the son hints that the entire ordeal stemmed from a case of mistaken identity. The wife of the victim supports the mother's account, affirming that her husband, a law-abiding individual, was merely caught in the shooting incident.

The family reveals that their efforts to bring the man back home have been fruitless, as they are now being asked to provide funds for his release. While imprisoned in a foreign jail, the man shares with his mother that there are other Kenyan nationals detained with him. He is apprehensive over his deteriorating health during his confinement. Additionally, he laments that some Kenyan prisoners have been denied the chance to return home, even after serving their sentences.

It is worth noting that the government has taken steps to protect the welfare of Kenyan citizens who are employed overseas, especially in Gulf nations where mistreatment by employers has been a frequent concern among Kenyans.