Please save us, Kenyan in South Sudan pleads

Caleb Karuga at a press conference at his home in Limuru. His brother Joshua is among hundreds of Kenyans holed up in war-torn South Sudan. [Photo: Moses Omusula]

Hundreds of Kenyans stuck in the war-torn South Sudan are pleading with the Government to facilitate their safe return home. The Standard managed to speak on phone with one Kenyan holed up Juba, who painted a situation of desperation and anxiety. Joshua Karuga, a Kenyan aid worker who has been in Juba for the past two months, said the Kenyan government had made no effort to evacuate them.

“I have given up on the Kenyan government because it remains mum on the issue even when it is clear we are unable to get back home. Not even the embassy has reached out to us. We are scared for our lives,” said Karuga.

Karuga also pointed out that their efforts to seek help from the Kenyan Embassy in Sudan has been fruitless, as the authorities keep telling them to ‘go back and wait’.

“The United States Embassy is almost empty because they have evacuated their people and only 40 soldiers are remaining to secure the area. We were informed that a ceasefire has been declared, but tension is still high,” said Karuga.

Yesterday, he said, 300 Kenyans made their way to the Kenyan Embassy in Sudan hoping to be evacuated but they were told that there was no formal communication from the Kenyan government on their fate.

Out of options

The 36-year-old says for the past one week, most travel agents and shops have closed down, presenting a challenge for those who want to book flights to Kenya, which cost Sh58,000.

Running out of options, he says they are now planning to ‘hike’ a ride from the Ugandan troops who have come to rescue their people.

“Family members are willing to send me money but there is no way I can access it because banks are closed. The borders are also closed. We have given up on the Kenyan government,” said Karuga.

Dire as the situation may be in the Africa’s youngest nation, Karuga says given a chance, once the situation calms down, he would go back to South Sudan.

Meanwhile, back at home his brother is worried sick about his safety. Caleb Karuga, brother to Joshua, says the Government has not done enough to ensure the safe return of their kin back home.

“Is the Government waiting for blood to spill to act? I would rather they issue a statement than remain mum. What my brother is not telling you is that he feels betrayed by his own government,” said Caleb. Caleb communicates with his brother via social media.