Kenya has formally asked South Sudan to intervene in the continued detention of Kenyan national Timothy Maina Nderi, who has been held without trial since November 2025.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei raised the matter during a meeting with South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Simon Deng Juach, on Thursday, November 12, demanding Nderi’s unconditional release or prosecution under South Sudanese law.
Kenya Protests Detention of Timothy Maina Nderi
In a statement following the meeting, Sing’oei expressed Kenya’s dissatisfaction with the continued detention of Nderi, a former Financial Controller of companies associated with former South Sudanese Vice President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel.
The Kenyan government wants South Sudan to either release Nderi unconditionally or bring him before a court to face any charges under the country’s laws.
“I also conveyed Kenya’s deep dissatisfaction with the continued detention without trial of Timothy Maina Nderi, a Kenyan national and former Financial Controller of companies associated with South Sudanese former Vice President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel.
“I called for Mr Nderi’s unconditional release or trial under the laws of South Sudan,” Sing’oei stated.
Nderi’s detention began in November 2025, following the dismissal of Benjamin Bol Mel from his position as South Sudan’s Vice President and his subsequent placement under house arrest.
Kenya and South Sudan Discuss Bilateral Relations
During the meeting, Sing’oei and his South Sudanese counterpart also discussed several issues of mutual interest between the two countries.
The Kenyan official reaffirmed Nairobi’s support for South Sudan’s decision to conduct elections in accordance with the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.
The discussions also provided an opportunity for Kenya to raise concerns about the treatment of its citizens in the neighbouring country.
Sing’oei Addresses Sentencing of Kenyan Woman in Saudi Arabia
The latest diplomatic engagement comes after Sing’oei expressed concern over the sentencing of another Kenyan national, Esther Wanja Muthoni, by a Saudi Arabian court.
The 40-year-old Kenyan domestic worker was sentenced to 100 lashes in October after being found guilty of giving birth outside marriage.
Sing’oei described the punishment as deeply concerning, arguing that it would amount to inhuman treatment under Kenyan law.
However, the Foreign Affairs PS acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and judicial system, adding that Kenya would continue engaging Saudi authorities on matters concerning judicial enforcement.
What Happened to Esther Wanja Muthoni in Saudi Arabia?
Muthoni reportedly gave birth to her son, Abudy, in August 2025 while working as a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia.
She and her newborn were taken to hospital after her supervisor discovered the baby.
The Kenyan woman was subsequently detained by police for questioning over her pregnancy before the Saudi court handed down its sentence.
Kenya’s diplomatic engagement over her case reflects the challenges facing citizens who encounter legal difficulties while working abroad.
