97 Kenyans Have Died in Saudi Arabia in Three Years, Labor Cabinet Secretary Says

Labor Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui says the government is committed to addressing the challenges facing Kenyan immigrant workers in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Chelugui said talks are underway on the existing bilateral labor agreement, adding that he intends to visit Saudi Arabia within the next 30 days. He assured that the government is looking into complaints raised by Kenyans working in the Gulf state with a view of finding a lasting solution.

“We have about 97,000 Kenyans in Saudi Arabia. Over 200 Kenyans are on deportation or transit back home driven by different factors. Some have run away from their previous contracts and they have been reported to the authorities,” he said.

CS Chelugui divulged that 97 Kenyans have died in Saudi Arabia in the last three years and that the government is following up on the post-mortem reports with authorities in the Arab nation.

“I want to assure any Kenyan working locally or abroad that their lives are important. I believe the future is bright and we assure these ladies of their safety and comfort in Saudi Arabia,” he noted.

At least 40 deaths involving Kenyans have been recorded in Saudi Arabia since January this year, according to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Appearing in the same interview, Lorna Jerop and Faith Murunga—both victims of human abuse in Saudi Arabia—accused the government of doing nothing to protect the lives of Kenyan immigrant workers in the Middle East country.

Murunga recounted the suffering she went through at the hands of her Saudi Arabian employer, saying she is lucky to be alive. Her passport was confiscated upon arrival there.

“My boss in Saudi Arabia poured hot water on my arm and that’s why I have this burn. I know many Kenyans who have died in Saudi Arabia. One time I was beaten so bad after my boss asked me to bring a cup and I brought a spoon yet I didn’t understand the language. I used to have one meal in a day and that is strong tea. If the government does not take action many more will die,” Murunga said.

Jerop, on her part, said, “If someone dies there, the girls contribute among themselves to have their colleague returned to Kenya. A guy called Mwana wa Mary has been helping Kenyans. He was arrested in February.”