Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has reassured the Republic of Korea that Kenya is actively investigating the recent abduction of two Korean nationals in Moyale.

In an official statement shared on Monday, August 19, 2024, Mudavadi addressed the situation following a telephone call with Choe Tae-Yul, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Korea.

The Prime CS said that during the call on August 16, 2024, he expressed regret on behalf of the Kenyan government for the abduction of Cheon Hwisook and Lee In on August 12, 2024.

He conveyed that Kenyan security authorities, under the direction of the acting Inspector General of Police and the National Intelligence Service, are conducting an extensive search operation with urgency and dedication to ensure the safe return of the individuals.

“While aware of the gravity of the situation, the PCS/CS stated that the Kenyan security authorities were actively engaged in an extensive search operation with utmost urgency and dedication to secure the safe return of the individuals. 3. He further informed that the matter had been seized by the acting Inspector General of Police and the National Intelligence Service who had indeed visited the place,” the statement read in part.

Adding;

“The prime cabinet secretary reiterated Kenya’s commitment to measures taken to track and bring the Korean nationals to safety.”

Mudavadi also highlighted the strengthening partnership between Kenya and Korea, anticipating future high-level engagements and exchanges in various areas of cooperation.

He also confirmed plans for a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Korea on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Korea reciprocated the commitment, pledging to engage in bilateral discussions during the UN General Assembly.