South Sudan whistleblower abducted in Kenya released after two months

A South Sudanese whistleblower, Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit, who also holds Kenyan citizenship, has been released after a two-month ordeal that began with his abduction in Kenya and subsequent detention in South Sudan. His family confirmed his release on Monday, expressing relief after the harrowing experience.

Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit, 51, was living in Nairobi when he was abducted at gunpoint by masked individuals as he left a casino. According to information his wife received from police at the time, he had repeatedly warned that his life was in danger because he was exposing corruption involving South Sudan’s ruling elite. His abduction raised immediate concerns for his safety and well-being.

“

We are very happy that Gaddhaffy has been returned to us after being abducted from Kenya and held in detention in Juba for almost two months

His family stated that Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit was released on August 8, following investigations that reportedly "did not reveal any wrongdoing." However, the family expressed confusion, noting, "We were never told why he was taken." They reported that his health had deteriorated significantly during his detention and that he is now receiving medical treatment in Kenya.

Amnesty International had previously called on the Kenyan government to investigate the incident, reporting that Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit was being held at a military facility. Kenya, often seen as a refuge for dissidents in East Africa, has faced criticism for allegedly becoming complicit in allowing neighboring countries to abduct their citizens. Past incidents include the kidnapping of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye and the abductions of Turkish and Tanzanian dissidents on Kenyan soil. South Sudan itself is ranked among the world's poorest and most corrupt nations, with a UN report detailing widespread theft of oil revenues by government officials.

“

We were never told why he was taken.