Four Turkish nationals who were abducted by armed gunmen have been repatriated, the government has said.
In a statement on Monday, October 21, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the four who had been living in Kenya as refugees were repatriated at the request of the Turkish government.
"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 Turkiye.
''Kenya acceded to this request on the strength of the robust historical and strategic relations anchored on bilateral instruments between our respective countries," Sing’oei said in a statement.
Sing’oei added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been assured that the four will be treated with dignity after their arrival in the Middle East country.
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"Kenya is committed to the privacy and confidentiality of the repatriated individuals and will refrain from responding to media inquiries on the subject until the ongoing inter-agency review of the case is complete.
"Kenya assures the international community of its unswerving commitment to the protection and promotion of refugee rights as prescribed under the national and international law," he added.
Sing’oei emphasized that rights, welfare, and well-being of more than 780,000 refugees residing in Kenya will remain the government's singular priority.
The four were abducted in Nairobi on October 18, 2024, allegedly by operatives linked to Turkish intelligence.
The victims are believed to be asylum seekers connected to the Gülen Movement, opposing President Erdoğan's regime.
Amnesty International and local civil society groups are urging the Kenyan government to ensure their safety and uphold international refugee laws.
