Kenyan Driver Held Hostage by Rebels in South Sudan Pleads for Help from President Ruto, Issues Warning to Fellow Truck Drivers

A Kenyan truck driver held hostage by rebels in South Sudan has made a desperate plea for assistance from President William Ruto. The driver, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, has also issued a stern warning to other truck drivers heading to the conflict-ridden region, highlighting the grave dangers they face.

The Hostage Situation

The Kenyan driver was captured by South Sudanese rebels while transporting goods through the troubled region. In a video message that has gone viral on social media, he is seen pleading for help from the Kenyan government and specifically addressing President Ruto. His distressing situation underscores the ongoing risks and instability in South Sudan, which has been plagued by civil unrest and armed conflict for years.

Plea to President Ruto

In his heartfelt message, the driver appeals directly to President Ruto, urging him to take immediate action to secure his release and ensure the safety of other Kenyan drivers working in the region. “President Ruto, please help us. We are being held hostage and our lives are in danger. We need your intervention urgently,” he says.

Warning to Truck Drivers

The driver also issued a stark warning to his colleagues in the trucking industry, advising them to avoid traveling to South Sudan due to the high risk of being kidnapped or killed by rebels. “To all truck drivers heading to South Sudan, please be cautious. The situation here is very dangerous, and you could be taken hostage like me. Avoid this route if possible,” he warns.

The Danger in South Sudan

South Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. The civil war that erupted in 2013 has led to widespread violence, displacement, and insecurity. Truck drivers transporting goods through South Sudan have often found themselves caught in the crossfire, making it one of the most perilous routes in East Africa.

For more context on the conflict in South Sudan, you can read Al Jazeera’s coverage on South Sudan and BBC News’ analysis of South Sudan’s ongoing challenges.

Government Response

The Kenyan government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the driver’s plea. However, there have been calls from various quarters for the government to prioritize the safety of its citizens working abroad, particularly in high-risk areas like South Sudan. The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to work closely with South Sudanese authorities to secure the release of the hostage and enhance protective measures for Kenyan nationals.

Conclusion

The harrowing ordeal of the Kenyan truck driver held hostage by rebels in South Sudan highlights the severe risks faced by those working in conflict zones. His plea for help from President Ruto and his warning to fellow drivers serve as a stark reminder of the need for heightened security and diplomatic efforts to protect Kenyan citizens abroad.

For more updates on this developing story, visit Wakenya Leo. Stay informed about the latest news affecting Kenyans at home and abroad.

Read Also

• Kenyan Drivers in Peril: Navigating the Dangerous Routes of South Sudan
• How South Sudan’s Conflict Impacts Regional Trade
• Truckers’ Tales: Surviving the Perils of East Africa’s Roads

For further information on the security situation in South Sudan, visit UNMISS and ReliefWeb.