Diplomatic Immunity Dispute Leaves Kenyan Embassy Employee Serving Three Years in Saudi Jail

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei is facing calls from the family of a Kenyan embassy worker jailed in Saudi Arabia to intervene in a case involving diplomatic privilege and disputed ownership of alcohol.

Relatives and friends of Kevin Mugambi want the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate the circumstances behind his three-year prison sentence and provide him with diplomatic assistance. Mugambi, who worked as a junior employee in the labor department at the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh, is currently serving his first year behind bars.

According to his family, Mugambi was arrested while transporting alcohol in his personal vehicle on behalf of two Kenyan diplomatic officers. While diplomats in Saudi Arabia are permitted to buy and consume alcohol under their diplomatic status, junior embassy staff do not hold those privileges.

The family alleges that when Saudi authorities asked the Kenyan Ambassador to confirm whether Mugambi was ferrying the drinks for other embassy staff, the envoy declined to issue a supporting letter. That refusal reportedly left Mugambi to bear sole legal responsibility, leading to his conviction.

To challenge the outcome, Mugambi's relatives say they have gathered evidence proving the alcohol did not belong to him.

The materials include purchase receipts showing the two diplomats bought the drinks on the day of the arrest. Relatives also point to CCTV footage that reportedly captures the diplomats paying for the alcohol and handing it over to Mugambi.

In addition, the family cites an audio recording in which the two officers allegedly admit to Mugambi's wife that the consignment was theirs.

Relatives have questioned why the embassy in Riyadh has not stepped in to clear Mugambi's name despite the existence of receipts, video footage, and recorded admissions. They argue the government must now review the case and help secure his release.