Judy Gatwiri moved from Kenya to Beirut, Lebanon, a year ago, filled with hope for a better future for her family.
Gatwiri now finds herself in a dire situation having been in police custody for the past four months. Gatwiri’s family, based in Limauru, Tigania West, Meru County, is desperately seeking government intervention to secure her release and return to Kenya. Her sister Josephine Mwendwa reports that Gatwiri had been working for approximately two months before experiencing mistreatment at the hands of her employer’s relatives. Communication with Gatwiri abruptly ceased in early March, raising concerns about her well-being.
The family contends that the charges against Gatwiri – theft and fleeing from work – are fabricated. They have been advised by the recruiting agency Kiwamwa Labour Consult Ltd to pay for her return ticket. However, the family is unable to raise the required sum of over 100,000 Kenyan shillings for travel expenses. Esther Murama, Gatwiri’s mother, has appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene, emphasizing the critical role her daughter’s employment played in supporting the family. Mwendwa, who is currently caring for her other sister’s children in Nairobi, has taken steps to advocate for Gatwiri’s release including visiting the Lebanon Consulate in Nairobi.
The family’s account suggests that Gatwiri had sought help from the police due to mistreatment by her employers, only to find herself detained. While Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu has stated that the government has bolstered its resources to protect Kenyans abroad, Gatwiri’s family believes more immediate action is necessary to ensure her safe return. This incident is not isolated as there have been numerous reports of Kenyan domestic workers facing harsh conditions, abuse, and legal challenges in Middle Eastern countries.
The situation has prompted calls for the Kenyan government to enhance its oversight of recruitment agencies and strengthen measures to protect citizens working overseas. Human rights organizations and advocacy groups have emphasized the need for comprehensive regulations and improved support systems for migrant workers. There are also calls for the Kenyan government to establish bilateral agreements with host countries to ensure the protection of its citizens.
