The Saudi Embassy in Kenya has clarified reports that Diana Chepkemoi was mistreated while in the gulf country, claiming that she is suffering from a normal health condition.
In a statement, the Saudi Embassy in Kenya on Saturday, September 3, responded to allegations that Diana, a 24-year-old Kenyan woman residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was mistreated.
“In reference to what was circulated on social media regarding allegations of mistreatment of a Kenyan woman residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Embassy would like to clarify that the woman suffers from a normal health condition and was not subjected to any kind of ill-treatment,”
The Embassy said it is fully committed to protecting the complete rights of inhabitants living on its territories of diverse nationalities and its aware of the situation
“The Kenyan embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is fully aware of the situation,”
Chepkemoi, who is allegedly stranded and held against her will in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was rescued following efforts from leaders and a section of Kenyans after her photo appeared while in a sorry state and went viral on social media
The statement comes after an audio of his employer surfaced threatening to deal with her for being disrespectful and arrogant. In the audio, the employer is heard warning Chepkemboi of dire consequences for hatching plans to escape.
The girl who hails from Bomet County had traveled to the Gulf State to seek employment as a means to get the money that will enable her to return to Kenya to complete her studies at Meru University.
However, Amb. Macharia Kamau, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the matter has been followed up by relevant authorities and that Chepkemoi is under good care.
Additionally, the Embassy affirmed the rules followed in the Kingdom are rigorous against any activities that undermine human dignity, regardless of whoever they are.
Kenyans seeking employment in Saudi Arabia had been reminded over time to seek employment through the Embassy and not through agents after cases of Kenyan workers being mistreated in Saudi Arabia became rampant.
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli had previously accused the Ministry of Labour for failing to protect Kenyans employed in Saudi Arabia.
Chepkemoi's story sparked widespread condemnation from Kenyans who called on the government to intervene and save the girl.
