Kericho Man Missing in Dubai Returns Home After Detention and Deportation

A Kericho man who disappeared while in Dubai has returned to Kenya after being detained and deported by authorities, ending weeks of uncertainty for his family.

Mathew Kiprop Lagat was last seen at Jumeirah Beach on 13 June. After that, all communication with his relatives stopped. His phone went unanswered, his messages remained unopened, and his family launched a public appeal for information about his whereabouts. Friends and relatives also shared his photographs on social media in the hope of finding him.

After returning to Kenya, Mathew said he had been detained by Dubai authorities after his employer allegedly abandoned him. He said he was arrested by CID officers at Jumeirah Beach before being taken to Warsan Deportation Camp.

"I was caught by CID officers at Jumeirah Beach," he said. "They took me to Warsan Deportation Camp, where I stayed for one week."

Mathew said officials confiscated his phone and other personal belongings during his detention, leaving him unable to contact his family. He remained at the deportation camp before spending another week in custody while arrangements were made for his removal from the country. He was later deported to Kenya.

His return brought an end to weeks of uncertainty for his family, who had feared for his safety after losing contact with him. They have since been reunited following his arrival in Kenya.