A Desperate Escape

In a harrowing account that has sent shockwaves across Kenya, Selestine Kemoli's desperate escape to the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh in 2020 unveiled a web of exploitation that many did not know existed. After enduring horrific abuse as a maid in Saudi Arabia—where she claimed her employer slashed her with a knife, forced her to consume urine, and raped her—she sought refuge and assistance to return home to her two children.

Sinister Proposal

However, her plea for help took a sinister turn. Robinson Juma Twanga, the embassy’s labor attaché, allegedly responded to her desperate request with an unexpected and repulsive proposal: sexual favors in exchange for assistance. “You are beautiful,” he reportedly said, before making his shocking demand, which mirrored the abuse she had suffered at the hands of her employer.

Pattern of Exploitation

Ms. Kemoli is not alone in her ordeal. Interviews with multiple women across the region revealed similar stories, with many claiming that Mr. Twanga and other embassy officials either demanded sexual favors or pressured them into sex work to secure funds for their return home. These accounts suggest a disturbing pattern of exploitation perpetrated by those in positions of power, taking advantage of maids when they are at their most vulnerable.

Government Response

Human rights lawyers have begun collecting these testimonies, asserting that they paint a bleak picture of neglect and mistreatment by embassy officials. Despite the alarming allegations, the Kenyan government, represented by presidential spokesman Hussein Mohamed, has remained elusive. He claimed no knowledge of such incidents, while Mr. Twanga, when confronted, dismissed the allegations.

Grim Reality for Workers

The reality is grim for many Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia. Tens of thousands venture to the kingdom annually, drawn by the prospect of higher earnings amid a bleak economic landscape at home. Unfortunately, many return with tales of abuse, neglect, and sometimes death, as they find themselves trapped in a system that offers little to no legal protection for migrant workers.

Exploitation of Grieving Families

Moreover, families of deceased workers have reported additional grievances, claiming that officials at the Kenyan Foreign Ministry solicited financial contributions to repatriate the bodies of loved ones, a practice deemed unacceptable and exploitative amidst their grief. In many instances, families were led to believe they had to pay, only to later discover that payments were not necessary when accompanied by legal representation.

Survivor Testimonies

Women like Ms. Gathuo, another survivor who suffered severe abuse, reveal the lengths to which these officials will go to exploit their situations. After surviving a brutal assault and subsequent rape, she sought help from the embassy, only to be met with a request for payment and sex. Ultimately, despite her compliance, not only was she not assisted; she was later deported from Saudi Arabia against her will.

Systemic Issues

These chilling accounts highlight a systemic issue surrounding the treatment of Kenyan workers abroad. Activists and legal aid organizations, such as Global Justice Group, continue to advocate for justice and accountability, urging the government to address the calls for reform in how embassies handle cases of abuse.

The Way Forward

As the plight of these workers gains attention, the question remains: who will hold these officials accountable for their actions? The answer may lie in the collective voices of survivors and advocates continuing to speak out against the exploitation that has lingered for too long in the shadows of diplomatic corridors.