By Sylvia Mueke
Religious leaders from the coastal region have weighed in the abduction of seven Turkish nationals and have condemned the Ruto regime for rampant cases of enforced disappearances saying it threatens the freedom of movement for both Kenyans and foreigners operating in country
Malindi Catholic Diocese Bishop Willybard Lagho has accused the state of failing to protect refugees and asylum seekers in the country adding that such abductions tarnish Kenya’s reputation as a safe destination, and affects the tourism sector.
He stated that “the government should fulfill its legal responsibilities under the Constitution of Kenya, refugee laws, and international human rights treaties. We continue to urge the government to make efforts to end the trend of abductions, which creates significant fear and could damage Kenya’s reputation, especially for a country that relies on tourism as a key pillar of its economy.”
Additionally, ACK Malindi Bishop Reuben Katite recounted the ongoing grief of families who have lost loved ones to such incidents.
He stated that “many parents of Gen z’s who were abducted during the protests are still crying out today, and it is a very sad situation.”
The clamour by the section of the clergy and the international community comes in the back of an announcement Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei of the repatriation of four Turkish nationals Sing’Oei in a statement on Monday said the repatriation was done on Friday at the request of the Turkish government.
Sing’oei further assured the international community of Kenya’s “commitment to the protection and promotion of refugee rights as prescribed under national and international law.