The Government of Kenya has issued a cautionary reminder to Kenyans living abroad following the unfortunate death of a Kenyan Engineer, Zakayo Muriuki, in Ethiopia.
In a press statement, Government Spokesperson, Eric Kiraithe called on those in the diaspora to ensure that they maintain vigilance in the foreign nations.
"Government would like to issue a cautionary reminder to citizens living in foreign countries, especially those which are politically volatile and conflict prone, to maintain the highest levels of vigilance.
"It is incumbent on Kenyans living abroad to be cognizant of laws in those countries and make every effort to observe them," the statement read in part.
Mr Kiraithe confirmed that Kenya had received the news of Zak's death from the Ethiopian authorities and investigations were already underway.
The news of Zak's death caused an online storm on Thursday when he arrived in a coffin after 20 months in an Ethiopian jail.
Zak was arrested alongside his workmate Jedrick Mugo in January 2015 after their arrival in Ethiopia where they had been sent to work for a client. The duo was accused of telecommunication fraud even before they were able to start working.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Zak's associate divulged that "Zak was arrested with another Kenyan engineer called Jedrick Mugo who is still in custody as the government there says it's still looking for evidence against him."
"The two had gone to Ethiopia to install VSAT equipment for a customer. This was a normal routine assignment and they had been there before and came back home safely. However, this time around, the customer's site was raided by Ethiopian police and the 2 arrested and booked by the police," our source disclosed.
Mr Kiraithe highlighted that the Government would support Zak's family and promised to ensure the release of Mugo.
"Government remains engaged in efforts to secure the release of Mr. Muriuki’s colleague, Mr. Jedrick Mugo. We urge their employers to come forth with critical information needed by the Ethiopian Government to shed more light into the case," Kiraithe stated.
The Spokesperson assured Kenyans abroad that "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is always at hand to advise Kenyans considering or pursuing opportunities outside the country".
He added that the Foreign Ministries are able to advise citizens on appropriate precautionary measures to take, laws to observe and avenues to pursue assistance in the event of certain possible eventualities.
