Kenya has confirmed the repatriation of four Turkish nationals to their home country on following a request from the government of Türkiye.
The government confirmed that the four Turkish nationals who had reportedly been abducted on Friday have been returned to their own country.
According to the government, the move was based on the strong historical and strategic relations between the two nations, supported by bilateral agreements. The four individuals had been living in Kenya as refugees.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, which facilitated the process, stated that Turkish authorities have assured Kenya that the individuals will be treated with dignity in line with both national and international law.
“Kenya acceded to this request on the strength of the robust historical and strategic relations anchored on bilateral instruments between our respective countries. The four have been residing in Kenya as refugees,” Principal Secretary State Department for Foreign Affairs Korir Singoei said in a statement.Kenya emphasized its commitment to the privacy of those repatriated and has declined to comment further until an inter-agency review of the case is completed.
The Kenyan government reaffirmed its dedication to upholding refugee rights under national and international law, stressing that the welfare of the more than 780,000 refugees currently residing in the country remains a top priority.
“As such, the rights, welfare and well-being of the more than 780,000 refugees residing in the country will remain the government's singular priority,” said Singoei.
