Kenyan Man Detained in Saudi Arabia After Highlighting Migrant Worker Abuse, Kiambu Senator Says

Fresh wave of tension has emerged after Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa revealed that a Kenyan man has been arrested in Saudi Arabia just days after helping expose the harsh realities many Kenyan migrant workers face in the Gulf nation.

According to the senator, the man was among several Kenyans he interacted with during his recent visit to Riyadh.

The trip shone a spotlight on the difficult conditions and stories of Kenyans who said they were stranded, homeless, or suffering various forms of mistreatment while working in Saudi Arabia.

Senator Thang’wa shared the news through his X account on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, saying the arrest had caused renewed concern about the safety of whistleblowers.

The senator noted that the detained man had played a key role in speaking out about abuse and the challenges faced by migrant workers, including unpaid salaries, long working hours, and the lack of proper documentation.

He described the arrest as a worrying development that should push the Kenyan government to move faster in protecting its citizens abroad.

Human rights groups have also raised their voices, accusing the government of failing to take strong action despite repeated cases of abuse, disappearances, and deaths of Kenyans working in the Middle East.

They argue that the situation has gone on for too long, and Kenya must demand better treatment and accountability from host countries.

Senator Thang’wa insisted that his visit to Saudi Arabia exposed heartbreaking scenes, including Kenyans sleeping outside after running away from abusive employers.