Plans underway to evacuate Kenyans stuck in Israel- PS Njogu

Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

No Kenyan has been reported injured or dead amidst the conflict between Israel and Palestine, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu has said.

Speaking to The Standard, Ms Njogu said the government has already made plans to evacuate Kenyans stuck in Israel as well as ensure their safety.

“So far, the embassy has not reported any casualty involving Kenyans living in Israel. All our people have been accounted for,” said Njogu.

At least 500 Kenyans are legally registered to be living in Israel, Ms Njogu said. She, however, fears there could be more unregistered citizens in the country.

“Government agencies, together with the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, are monitoring the situation and keeping in touch with the team at the embassy (in Tel Aviv). We are working on plans for evacuation,” she said.

Emergency contacts

The PS urged Kenyans who have relatives stuck in Israel to contact the Kenyan embassy through emergency contacts [phone], [phone], and [phone] or by email at [email protected]

The war in Israel began on Saturday when the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented attack on Israel.

According to BBC News, by Tuesday at least 900 Israelis and 700 Palestinians had been killed in the conflict.

The war that started escalating from the Gaza border has left dozens of soldiers and civilians, including women and children, held hostage. 

President William Ruto has denounced the violent assault on innocent civilians calling for a de-escalation of the war.

“We are deeply disturbed by the intentional targeting of civilians in this conflict, resulting in a growing number of casualties. Consequently, we call upon all parties to respect the rights of civilians and adhere to their international law obligations," Ruto stated.