Relief as Kenyan Woman Returns Home After Months in Lebanese Detention

A woman from Uasin Gishu County has returned to Kenya after spending nearly a year in detention in Lebanon, ending months of uncertainty for her family.

Vicoty Cheruto, the daughter of local salon owner Sally Jerop, left her home in Milimani, Ziwa Soy Constituency, in 2024 to seek employment in Beirut. Her family remained in contact with her until April 2025, when communication suddenly stopped, leaving relatives without information about her whereabouts or wellbeing.

It was later established that Cheruto had been detained in Lebanon for almost a year under circumstances that remain unclear. Her family received no information about her situation until April 2026, when she was traced and arrangements were made to secure her release.

Her return was facilitated through the efforts of neighbours, friends and well-wishers who helped support the process. Local Member of Parliament David Kiplagat also contributed by covering the cost of her flight home, enabling her to reunite with her family after a prolonged period abroad.

News of her arrival was welcomed by members of her community and widely shared on social media. Many expressed relief at her safe return, while others highlighted the risks faced by Kenyans who travel overseas for domestic work opportunities.

Cheruto’s experience reflects concerns about the welfare of migrant workers in foreign countries, particularly where labour protections are limited or poorly enforced. Similar cases have affected other Kenyan families.

In a separate incident, Agnes Emmanuel from Shanzu in Mombasa County was reportedly killed in Lebanon, allegedly by fellow Kenyans. Her family continues efforts to repatriate her body to Kenya.