Kiambu County Senator Karungo Thang'wa has accused the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh of intimidating citizens who speak out about their challenges and suffering in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement on Saturday, November 15, Senator Thang'wa claimed that the embassy has been using proxies to silence Kenyans who dare to voice their struggles, including issues of homelessness and mistreatment.
"The Embassy of Kenya in Riyadh has reportedly resorted to intimidating Kenyans through its proxies in Saudi Arabia for daring to speak about their challenges, homelessness, and suffering. They are even threatening to cancel Samidoh's show," Thang'wa stated.
The Senator warned that he would soon expose individuals allegedly being used by the embassy to intimidate Kenyans in the Gulf nation.
"Very soon, we shall name these proxies in Riyadh and Dammam. Any Kenyan who is happy to live and work in Saudi should be allowed to enjoy the opportunities and comfort of this beautiful country. But those who are suffering or unwilling to stay must be facilitated to return home safely and without intimidation," he declared.
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Thang'wa emphasized that the embassy's primary responsibility is to protect Kenyan citizens abroad, not to suppress their voices.
"The embassy must remember that its sole mandate is to protect Kenyans abroad, just like the Philippines embassy fiercely protects its people. Anything outside that mandate is an abuse of office.”
The complaints of homelessness and mistreatment come amid the government's intensified efforts to send more Kenyans to Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries for employment opportunities.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has been actively announcing job openings in partnership with various recruitment agencies for positions in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
In late October, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua invited qualified Kenyan candidates to participate in interviews for positions offered by the Saudi Arabian government, including 50 drivers and 25 mechanics for individuals aged between 21 and 45. These positions are provided with two-year contracts that include accommodation, food, transportation, and medical insurance.
This recruitment drive followed an earlier announcement in September, in which CS Mutua revealed nearly 9,000 job opportunities for Kenyans seeking work abroad.
The September announcement featured openings across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Serbia, covering multiple sectors for both skilled and semi-skilled workers.
The available positions ranged from construction helpers and electricians to drivers, healthcare workers, hospitality staff, and professional roles, including HR managers, engineers, and accountants, across diverse sectors such as construction, transportation, healthcare, hospitality, and corporate services.
