Cases of xenophobia in the neighbouring South Sudan have been on the increase with a rising number of body bags to show. Grace Wanjiku is the latest Kenyan to meet her death in the continents youngest nation at the hands of gangsters. Now Kenyans are calling on the government that seems mum on the issue to take necessary action to ensure no more loss of lives.
Kenyans working and living in South Sudan have raised concerns over their security citing unwarranted deaths and torture.
On Sunday, the community accused the Kenyan Embassy in S Sudan of doing little to ensure their security.
More than 20 Kenyans have lost their lives, raising concerns over the security of foreigners in Africa’s newest nation.
During the burial of Ms Grace Wanjiku, 50, at the Nakuru North Cemetery, Kenya Welfare Association chairman in South Sudan, Mr J Michael, said locals had become hostile to Kenyans.
PROTECT FOREIGNERS
“The Kenyan Embassy should work with the S Sudan government to ensure that foreigners are protected,” said Mr Michael.
Ms Wanjiku is the latest Kenyan to be killed in S Sudan. According to family members, the business lady was shot three times by armed gangsters.
“She was inspecting her charcoal burning business in the bushy Pakwao region when armed men struck,” said a Kenyan in S Sudan who declined to be named.
The family’s spokesman, Mr Stephen Mureithi, said it was very unfortunate that the deceased had gone to seek greener pastures only to return home dead.
“It’s time the Kenyan government addressed its citizen’s welfare in S Sudan. In Kenya, it’s the very people who engage in inter-clan wars,” he said bitterly.
Mr Michael said they reported the matter but no arrests have been made.
“The community is hostile and can’t cooperate especially when injustices are mete on Kenyans,” he added.
