Senate Probes Alleged Negligence at Kenyan Embassy in Saudi Arabia

The Kenyan embassy in Saudi Arabia has come under scrutiny from a group of Kenyan senators who argue that it has failed to adequately fulfil its responsibilities in the Gulf nation.

During a Senate session attended by Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, senators voiced their concerns about the embassy's perceived inability to provide timely responses and assistance to Kenyan citizens in various situations. Kwale Senator Boy Issa accused the embassy of failing to offer explanations to Kenyan families whose relatives have died under unclear circumstances in Saudi Arabia. He contends that answers are typically provided only after intervention by a political leader. The Senator demands clarification regarding the deaths of Kenyans in the Gulf country.

The senators collectively argue that the Kenyan embassy in Saudi Arabia needs to take a more proactive approach to serving its citizens. They question the rationale behind maintaining an embassy that does not effectively address the needs of Kenyans residing in the country. The issue is particularly pressing given that many Kenyans seek employment as domestic workers in the Gulf countries and often face significant challenges. Kwale County, for instance, frequently receives the repatriated bodies of deceased Kenyans with the recent case being of Zuhura Swale who was killed in Saudi Arabia in December 2023.

Lawmakers have emphasized that when Kenyans die abroad, the government should not only repatriate the bodies but also provide detailed explanations to the families about the circumstances of death. Moreover, senators report receiving numerous complaints from Kenyans working in Saudi Arabia who feel that the Kenyan embassy does not provide adequate assistance and often subjects them to humiliation. The embassy's slow response to distress calls from Kenyans in the Gulf region is another significant concern. It is worth noting that the government can monitor the movements of Kenyan citizens as they cross international borders at immigration checkpoints, allowing authorities to closely track individual travel activities both within and beyond the country's boundaries.

In response to these concerns, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasizes that not all reported deaths in Saudi Arabia are the result of foul play. He points out that some deaths occur due to natural causes, such as heart attacks and terminal illnesses. Mudavadi assures that in cases where murder is suspected, his ministry is committed to conducting thorough investigations and autopsies to determine the cause of death. The Prime CS acknowledges that while Kenyan missions are trained to provide support, instances of laxity do occur.

He states, "We may not be perfect, and our embassies might not have been flawless, but our missions are making every effort to serve our people. Most of our embassy staff have been very courteous and helpful to Kenyan citizens abroad."