Sick Kenyan Stuck in Saudi Arabia
Kesses MP Julius Rutto has sounded the alarm about yet another Kenyan woman who is trapped in Saudi Arabia and urgently needs medical care back home.
In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, on October 13, the MP shared the plight of Frenda Chelangat, who had gone to the Middle Eastern country on a two-year contract. Unfortunately, after falling ill, she was unable to work and, as a result, couldn’t afford to return home.
On top of her health struggles, Chelangat has faced numerous other challenges, including not receiving her rightful salary and enduring tough working conditions.
“I am writing to you today with a desperate plea for assistance regarding the return of a Kenyan citizen, Frenda Chelangat, who is currently in a difficult and urgent situation in Saudi Arabia,” MP Rutto wrote.
“Frenda Chelangat is in Saudi Arabia on a 2 (two) year work visa as a domestic worker; however, she is currently in a dire situation due to illness and a severe medical issue that requires her to return to Kenya for treatment.”
In addition to struggling financially to make her way back home, the MP also shared that the agency responsible for her travel to Saudi Arabia had refused to return her travel documents.
Because of this, the lawmaker sought help to cover all her repatriation expenses, which included a plane ticket to Nairobi, temporary accommodation, essential living costs until she could travel, and immediate access to her medication.
“She was a breadwinner to her family, a valued community member and hardworking, but currently experiencing fear and immense stress,” he relayed.
“The family has exhausted all other options and is now relying on the generosity and action from the Kenyan government to facilitate her journey back home.”
During a public celebration, Chelang’at’s mother reached out to the MP about a deeply troubling situation. Along with her letter, she included photos of the victim, showing her legs and hands bound behind her back. In response, the MP mentioned that he would not only be writing to PS Njogu but also meeting with Foreign Affairs PS Koris Sing’oei on Tuesday, October 14, at his office to discuss the case further.
“Every Kenyan working abroad deserves dignity, fair treatment, and protection. My office remains committed to pursuing every available channel to ensure Frenda’s safe repatriation,” he asserted.
Sick Kenyan Stuck in Saudi Arabia
