The Kenyan government has acted swiftly to protect a citizen allegedly assaulted in Turkey, following widespread public outrage sparked by a viral video showing the incident.
The woman, employed as a domestic worker, was reportedly attacked by her employer after demanding unpaid wages.
In a statement on Friday, February 6, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roselyne Njogu, confirmed that the government responded immediately upon receiving details of the case on February 4, 2026.
"I’d like to confirm that the Kenya Embassy in Ankara, upon receiving this info of this assault on 4th Feb 2026, immediately swung into action to assist our national," Njogu said.
The PS explained that the victim has now received medical attention and her full salary, including any outstanding arrears. She has also been supported in seeking legal assistance related to the assault.
"She is now safe. Thank you to the Kenyan Embassy in Ankara and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs for your service to Kenyans," Njogu added.
The Principal Secretary urged Kenyans living abroad to report cases of abuse or distress through official channels, highlighting the availability of a 24-hour response centre for assistance.
The government's quick response came after the video went viral on social media, prompting Kenyans to question whether the authorities had previously overlooked similar cases involving citizens working abroad.
This latest incident reflects a troubling pattern for Kenyan domestic workers in foreign countries, particularly in the Middle East and Europe, where reports of assault, unpaid wages, and mistreatment have surfaced repeatedly.
Just three months ago, a report highlighted the plight of Kenyans employed as house helps in Saudi Arabia, with cases including withheld pay, confiscated passports, and denied food. The report by the New York Times in November also alleged that some politicians were operating employment companies to profit from sending Kenyans abroad.
The Turkish case has reignited calls for stronger measures to protect Kenyan workers overseas and ensure accountability for employers who violate labor rights.
