Kenyan Government Deports 4 Turkey Nationals

The Kenyan Government has deported 4 Turkish Nationals days after they were reportedly abducted.

In a statement, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei confirmed that the four were taken back to their home country on Friday, October 18.

“Kenya confirms that four Nationals of the Republic of Türkiye were repatriated to their home country on Friday, 18 October 2024, at the request of the government of Türkiye. Kenya acceded to this request on the strength of the robust historical and strategic relations anchored on bilateral instruments between our respective countries. The four have been residing in Kenya as refugees,” part of the statement read.

Additionally, Foreign Affairs PS stated that the four would be well taken care of in their home country.

Kenyan Government deports 4 Turkey citizens

“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has received assurances from the Turkish authorities that the four will be treated with dignity, in accordance with both national and international law,” Korir said.

Korir also mentioned that the government would refrain from discussing the four Turkish nationals with the media.

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“Kenya is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of the repatriated individuals and will not respond to media inquiries on the matter until the ongoing inter-agency review is complete,” the Foreign Affairs PS said.

At the same time, the Foreign Affairs PS assured the international community of the Kenyan government’s unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of refugee rights, as prescribed under national and international law.

Details of the Abducted Turkey Nationals

“As such, the rights, welfare, and well-being of the more than 780,000 refugees residing in the country will remain the government’s top priority,” Korir affirmed.

The four Turkish nationals were allegedly abducted On October 18, 2024, along with three others.

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While the three were eventually released, the four Turks remained in captivity.

The abducted individuals included Mustafa Genç, his son Abdullah Genç, Hüseyin Yeşilsu, Necdet Seyitoğlu, Öztürk Uzun, Alparslan Taşçı, and his wife Saadet Taşçı, all reportedly taken by unknown individuals.

Among those released were Abdullah Genç, Necdet Seyitoğlu, and Saadet Taşçı.

Kenyans condemn the abductions of foreign nationals

The abductions of the foreign nationals have sparked widespread condemnation from some Kenyans. Amnesty International issued a statement denouncing the abductions of the Turkish asylum seekers.

In a statement on Saturday, October 19, Amnesty International’s Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, stated that the incident constitutes a breach of both Kenyan and international refugee law.

“These individuals are refugees who have sought the protection of the Kenyan government. Their abductions underscore the growing concerns about the safety of all refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya,” Amnesty stated.

Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi also condemned the act, urging the government to resolve the matter.

“What is this alarming story of Turkish nationals lawfully domiciled in Kenya being abducted/kidnapped? When will this lawlessness end in Kenya? Can we hear from Professor Kindiki Kithure on this grave matter?” Ahmednasir urged.

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