Kenyan Engineer Escapes Rebel Abduction in South Sudan

A Kenyan engineer has returned home safely after surviving a rebel attack in South Sudan that killed his colleague.

Richard Matiangi, working with the Holy Trinity Church in Morobo County, was abducted on July 30 while traveling to Uganda to buy construction materials. The vehicle carrying him and fellow engineer James Kariuki was ambushed near Bazi, close to Morobo town, an area known for rebel activity. 

During the attack, rebels opened fire and set the vehicle on fire, killing Kariuki. Matiangi and four South Sudanese nationals were then taken into the nearby jungle and held at a rebel camp.

Isaac Batali, chairperson of Holy Trinity Parish, explained that Kariuki played a crucial role in the community by overseeing the construction of a primary school and renovating the priest’s residence. 

His death is a major setback for local development efforts, especially given the security risks in the area. Matiangi and the other captives escaped on August 3 with the help of a rebel fighter and reached safety near the Holy Trinity Church in Morobo.

Morobo County Commissioner Charles Data confirmed the attack and reported that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces engaged the rebels soon after, killing one attacker. Matiangi has since left South Sudan, bringing the body of his deceased colleague back to Kenya.