Kenyan workers stranded in Juba, South Sudan, have appealed for intervention after allegedly going without salaries following their recruitment for employment in the country.
In a message shared by blogger Cyprian Nyakundi, the workers accused recruiter Ann Kathure Rutere of failing to pay them, leaving them in a difficult situation far from home.
The workers, who requested anonymity, said their current predicament was linked to their recruitment and subsequent failure to receive the wages they had expected.
“You may remember the story of Ann Kathure Rutere, who we previously raised concerns about because she recruited Kenyans for work but failed to pay their salaries. We are now stuck in Juba, South Sudan, and the situation has become increasingly difficult for us.”
According to the workers, they travelled to Juba after being recruited for employment but have since found themselves struggling financially because they have not received their salaries.
They said the situation had become increasingly difficult and were now seeking the intervention of relevant authorities to address their grievances and help them navigate their predicament.
“We travelled there after being recruited for employment, but we are now struggling because we have not received the salaries we were expecting. We are appealing for your help to highlight our situation and speak on our behalf so that the relevant authorities can intervene.”
The workers said they were Kenyans working away from home and were simply seeking payment for their work as well as assistance in finding a safe way out of their current situation.
Their appeal comes amid growing concerns over the vulnerability of Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad, particularly where recruitment arrangements and payment obligations are unclear.
“We are Kenyans working away from home, and we simply want what we are owed and a safe way out of this difficult situation. Please help us get answers and ensure that our grievances are heard.”
The allegations against Rutere show how Kenyans who put their trust in local recruitment agencies end up suffering and being abandoned in foreign lands.
The workers are now calling for relevant Kenyan and South Sudanese authorities to look into the matter, establish what happened to their salaries and, where necessary, facilitate their safe return home.
