PS Sing’Oei raises case of Kenyan held under house arrest during meeting with South Sudan envoy
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 7, 2026Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei has raised concerns over the welfare and treatment of Kenyan nationals in South Sudan during a meeting with South Sudan’s Deputy Head of Mission to Kenya, Ambassador Barnaba Bol Nyuol.
In a statement shared after the meeting on Tuesday, July 7, 2027, Sing’Oei said he conveyed the Kenyan government’s concern over the case of Timothy Maina Nderi, who has reportedly been under house arrest in South Sudan for the past eight months without facing formal judicial charges.
The PS also expressed concern over the continued denial of consular access to Kenyan embassy officials in Juba despite repeated formal requests, saying the matter remained a priority for the government.
Held a meeting with H.E. Amb. Barnaba Bol Nyuol, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan, today. During our discussions, I conveyed the Government of Kenya’s concern regarding the welfare and treatment of Kenyan nationals in South Sudan.”
”In particular, I raised the case of Mr Timothy Maina Nderi, who has reportedly remained under house arrest for the past eight months without formal judicial charges. I also expressed concern over the continued denial of consular access to officials from the Embassy of Kenya in Juba, despite repeated formal requests.”
Plight of truck drivers
Beyond the case of Nderi, Sing’Oei highlighted the worsening security situation facing Kenyan truck drivers operating in South Sudan. He noted that drivers continue to report incidents of armed attacks, robbery, extortion, harassment, and intimidation while transporting goods.
He specifically cited the case of Mzee Malalo, a Kenyan truck driver who, according to the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA), was attacked by South Sudanese security personnel along the Juba–Nesitu Road and is currently hospitalised in critical condition.
Sing’oei’s call
Sing’Oei called on the South Sudanese Embassy to urgently engage the relevant authorities to address the concerns raised, emphasising the need to uphold the longstanding friendship, mutual respect, and brotherly relations between Kenya and South Sudan.
He said Kenya remains committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of its nationals living and working in South Sudan while seeking a swift resolution to the issues through diplomatic engagement.