The Principal Secretary in the State Department for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu has responded to reports of two Kenyan missing in Saudi Arabia for two years.
Njogu was called out on Wednesday, February 7, by a user on X named Njogu Wagunjo for failing to address the matter.
This followed a publication by Nation which highlighted the plight of the two women and the suffering of their families, who were left behind pleading for help to bring their daughters back home.
However, PS Njogu hit back at Wagunjo stating that the government could not intervene in the matter because they had not yet received any report.
She also questioned whether the embassy in Riyadh had been notified of the matter adding that the government could only help after receiving more information.
“How can we intervene if a matter is not reported to us? Have you shared the details of the women in distress with us or our embassy in Riyadh? Or with the National Employment Authority?
“We can help (it’s our mandate) but we need the info,” Njogu stated.
Also Read: Govt Announces Ksh 140K Jobs in Saudi; Details
Diaspora PS and Wagunjo
In response, the Wagunjo told the PS that the story had already been widely covered and the PS could not claim that they had not received reports of the matter.
“Madam PS, the information of the two ladies is widely reported in the Nation. Good day,” he stated.
Njogu responded with further information on how to contact the embassy and get direct help in case someone is in need.
“In case you need help in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, here is where you can get help or direct others to get help,” she indicated.
Also Read: Helpline for Distressed Kenyans in Saudi Arabia
Further, the PS directed those in need to call the embassy at 19911 or +966500755060 or alternatively go to the embassy at Sakan Centre for shelter.
Govt Launches Saudi Arabia Helpline
Earlier in January 2023, the government of Kenya launched the toll-free helpline in a bid to help Kenyans working in deplorable situations in Saudi Arabia.
“There are people manning the lines 24-7 and will respond. If they don’t just write to me as the CS and I will fire them. Because as a government we want Kenyans to be supported,” the then Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua stated.
Mutua said that he visited Saudi Arabia over the issue and held talks with the government, which challenged Kenya to reveal citizens who were mistreating people.
However, he also said that there were Kenyans in Saudi Arabia who were working under good conditions and making a lot of money.
“We have had conversations with the Saudi government asking why their people are abusing our young men and women. They said we need to expose them and will get them arrested,” he added.
