Editor's Review

Sing’oei has petitioned the South Sudanese government to intervene in the unlawful detention of Kenyan national Timothy Maina Nderi.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has petitioned the South Sudanese government to intervene in the unlawful detention of Kenyan national Timothy Maina Nderi. 

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, after meeting South Sudan Ambassador to Kenya, Simon Deng Juach, Sing’oei called for Nderi’s unconditional release or trial under he country’s laws.

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Nderi has been detained without trial since November 2025 following former South Sudanese Vice President Benjamin Bol’s dismissal and placement under house arrest.

“I also conveyed Kenya’s deep dissatisfaction with the continued detention without trial of Timothy Maina Nderi, a Kenyan national and former Financial Controller of companies associated with South Sudanese former Vice President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel.

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“I called for Mr Nderi’s unconditional release or trial under the laws of South Sudan,” the PS wrote.

A file photo of South Sudanese Ambassador Simon Deng Juach with PS Korir Sing'oei

Sing’oei added that he and his South Sudanese Counterpart also reviewed various matters of mutual interest and conveyed Kenya’s support for South Sudan’s decision to conduct elections in line with the Revitalised Agreement.

Earlier, he empathised with a Kenyan woman after a Saudi Arabian court decided to sentence a Kenyan woman to 100 lashes for giving birth outside marriage.

The PS expressed sadness over the sentence, saying the punishment would constitute inhuman treatment under Kenyan law.

However, the Foreign Affairs PS acknowledged Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and judicial system. PS Sing’Oei said Kenya would continue engaging with Saudi officials on matters relating to judicial enforcement. 

The Kenyan woman identified as Esther Wanja Muthoni was sentenced to 100 lashes after a Saudi court found her guilty of siring outside wedlock. 

The 40-year-old, who was working as a domestic worker, was handed the sentence in October. She gave birth to her son, Abudy, in August 2025 while working as a domestic worker. 

Muthoni and her son were taken to the hospital after a supervisor discovered the newborn. The Kenyan woman was subsequently detained by the police for questioning over the pregnancy.