Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has urged the Kenyan government to immediately organize the safe return of citizens fleeing conflict, insisting that no Kenyan should face any charges when returning to their own country.
Speaking during a United Opposition rally in Chuka Town, Tharaka Nithi County on Friday, Muturi described it as “both immoral and deeply insensitive to subject Kenyans fleeing war and bombardment to any form of financial charge in order to return to their own country.”
Muturi called on the government to act without delay to safeguard the lives of citizens at risk and emphasized that all transport and evacuation fees should be waived for those seeking to leave dangerous regions.
“Kenya Airways must facilitate the safe return of our citizens without demanding payment. The Government of Kenya is a shareholder in the airline, and the protection of Kenyan lives must take precedence over profit,” he said.
He highlighted that governments in other countries have already taken decisive measures to waive evacuation and transport costs during crises and stressed that Kenya cannot lag behind when the safety of its people is at stake.
The DP leader directly appealed to President William Ruto to act with urgency and compassion, saying, “William Ruto must take note of the decisive actions being taken by other leaders to protect their citizens and act with the same urgency, responsibility, and compassion for Kenyans trapped in danger.”
Muturi further emphasized that no Kenyan fleeing bombs and conflict should be treated as a paying customer.
He insisted that the government has a constitutional obligation to protect its citizens and ensure their safe return.
He urged the government and Kenya Airways to coordinate quickly, stressing that national pride and moral responsibility must outweigh financial concerns during emergencies.
“Across the world, responsible governments are already waiving evacuation and transport fees to ensure the safety of their citizens during times of crisis,” he reiterated, emphasizing that Kenya must follow the same example.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has raised serious concerns for Kenya, which has over 500,000 nationals living and working in the region.
According to the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs on Friday, “the safety and well-being of the more than 500,000 Kenyan nationals residing and working in the Middle East remains a matter of top priority,” and no casualties or injuries have been reported in the first seven days of the crisis.
Most Kenyans continue with their daily activities, either in person or remotely, depending on local circumstances.
The government has advised citizens wishing to depart the region to “make appropriate arrangements through available commercial airlines or licensed travel agents,” and Kenya Airways has begun using safe air corridors negotiated with local authorities to repatriate stranded Kenyans.
Kenyan diplomatic missions have activated “emergency and contingency response mechanisms, including evacuation plans should the situation deteriorate,” while the State Department for Diaspora Affairs operates a 24-hour Diaspora center to assist nationals.
On the diplomatic front, Kenya expressed “deep concern regarding the expansion of the conflict theatre and the targeting of maritime, energy and other infrastructure,” while calling on all parties to “de-escalate and return to diplomatic negotiations in a spirit of constructive dialogue and compromise.”
