Kenyan National Released After Abduction in Ethiopia
Samuel Njagi Mbugua, a Kenyan national, has returned home safely after being abducted in Ethiopia more than a week ago. His release followed the payment of a ransom of Sh3 million to his captors, according to reports.
The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS) confirmed Mbugua’s return on Wednesday, a day after his release. In a statement shared on X, the office expressed relief at the safe return of Mbugua, who was reunited with his family upon arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
Mbugua was reportedly taken from his workplace in Debre Berhan, Amhara region, about 120 kilometers from Addis Ababa, on October 28. The circumstances surrounding his abduction are still under investigation.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs stated that Mbugua’s release resulted from sustained and coordinated efforts by the Ethiopian government, the Kenyan Embassy in Addis Ababa, his employer, and his family. According to the ministry, the process involved “days of difficult negotiations and close cooperation between all parties.”
During an address to members of the Kenyan diaspora in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, President William Ruto revealed that a ransom had been paid by Mbugua’s employer. He said, “We have been working with the government in Ethiopia, and our ambassador has really gone out of his way. Finally, we have managed to locate Njagi, and there was a demand for ransom by the abductors of Sh3 million. The company that Njagi was working for has paid that amount.”
True to the president’s statement, Mbugua was flown back to Kenya on Tuesday night, arriving at JKIA at 1:40 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, where he was reunited with his family.
The OPCS emphasized that the government will continue to support Mbugua and his family as they recover from the ordeal. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and safety of Kenyans working abroad, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen systems for responding to emergencies involving citizens overseas.
During his engagement with Kenyans in Doha, President Ruto also announced that the government had deregistered over 600 labor agencies deemed non-compliant, as part of efforts to protect Kenyan migrant workers. He added that the deployment of workers abroad is now limited to countries with formal bilateral labor agreements.
“We are also pursuing new agreements to secure skilled and professional job opportunities for Kenyans abroad, enabling our youth to access better-paying roles, gain advanced skills, and bring valuable experience back home,” he said.
Ongoing Concerns Over Missing Activists in Uganda
News of Mbugua’s release came as human rights organizations continued to call for the safe return of Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who have been missing for 36 days after reportedly disappearing in Uganda. On Tuesday and Wednesday, human rights defenders held peaceful demonstrations outside the Ugandan Embassy in Nairobi, demanding the duo’s release.
They claim the two men were taken by security personnel in Kampala on October 1, 2025. Civil society groups have alleged that the activists may be held in a military facility in Uganda, though these claims have not been independently verified.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, Amnesty International, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and Voices of Community Activists and Leaders of Africa (VOCAL Africa) said they had written to 11 embassies urging diplomatic pressure on the Ugandan government to help ensure the activists’ safe return.