CS Mutua Unveils Gameplan After 3,000 Kenyans Stuck In Sudan

Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua on Sunday, April 16 revealed that the government is working with national airline, Kenya Airways to facilitate the evacuation of about 3,000 Kenyans stuck in Sudan following fierce fighting in the country.

Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos where he was in attendance, the former Machakos Governor acknowledged the earlier prayers made for the events in Sudan characterized by bombing and ongoing unrest in the Sudanese capital city.

He expressed the plight of the Kenyans marooned in the country, adding that KQ was ready to lead in evacuation efforts "once things cool off".

"I'm grateful for the prayers concerning Sudan, we have a big problem there, I'm just looking at the reports. Bombing is escalating, we have about 3,000 Kenyans stuck in Sudan and they're scared, they're in their homes and nobody is leaving their house.

"I want to assure Kenyans that we are aligned, we have talked to Kenya Airways and they are ready, if things get out of hand, to bring Kenyans back here," he stated.

Mutua further reminded Kenyans to register themselves with the Kenyan embassy in the overseas country they travel to for quicker responses in case of any emergencies.

In addition, he promised to unveil a number that Kenyans can use to contact their counterparts in Sudan to establish the current status of the country before any additional measures are taken.

"We are asking Kenyans, wherever you are, whenever you go overseas, please register with the embassy because you don't know what will happen.

"The Kenyans who are registered with the embassy, we are in touch with them, the ones who did not register, we have a problem finding them, but we are going to give a number so that if you have anyone there, you can be able to call them so that we know the state of the Kenyans," he added.

President William Ruto on Saturday, April 15 expressed great concern about the developing crisis in Sudan after the country erupted in an apparent attempted coup, calling on all parties involved in the military violence to address differences through peaceful means.

"Kenya is concerned about the developing crisis in Sudan. I implore all parties to address any differences through peaceful means for the sake of the security of the people of Sudan and stability in the country and the region, especially during this Holy month of Ramadan.

"The outbreak of violence will only reverse the gains Sudan has made to the detriment of its lasting peace and prosperity. Kenya and the IGAD States are available and ready to contribute to the resolution of this crisis," the Head of State wrote in part.

He added that he was consulting with the regional leadership and other relevant international partners to seek ways to support dialogue and mediation. Meanwhile, the government also offered an emergency contact for Kenyans residing in Sudan to call; +249 900 194 854.

The country had erupted in violence with its military and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighting for power.