December 4th, 2025 - The Diplomat Accused of Sexual Abuse Who Retained His Post

Kenya’s government has come under scrutiny after multiple complaints about Robinson Juma Twanga, the country’s former labor attaché in Saudi Arabia, were ignored despite being raised by workers and officials. Mr. Twanga, a powerful figure in the labor export industry, was reportedly involved in the sexual abuse of Kenyan migrant workers, especially women, who sought help at the embassy. His actions were seen as part of a larger pattern of mistreatment of Kenyan workers abroad, who have faced not only sexual abuse but also unsafe working conditions and neglect from their own government.

In 2019, Kenya’s labor ministry received multiple complaints about Mr. Twanga’s actions, including accusations that he demanded sex and money from vulnerable workers. Despite these warnings, no significant action was taken. The allegations resurfaced in 2020, with reports from Kenya’s labor unions highlighting abuse by Mr. Twanga, but government officials continued to ignore the issue, allowing him to remain in his position. The issue came to public attention again after The New York Times reported that women who had sought assistance from the Kenyan embassy in Saudi Arabia had been turned away by Mr. Twanga, some even being advised to turn to sex work to fund their return tickets.

The Ministry of Labor, led by Alfred N. Mutua, has struggled to address the issue, with the government failing to provide concrete answers regarding the claims made against Mr. Twanga. The Kenyan president, William Ruto, has made the export of labor a cornerstone of his economic strategy, but this has been criticized for turning a blind eye to the exploitation of workers. According to critics, Mr. Ruto’s government has failed to adequately protect the rights of Kenyan workers abroad, including those who have been stranded or abused in countries like Saudi Arabia.

The issue of migrant worker abuse has also sparked criticism within Kenya, with opposition leaders accusing the government of prioritizing profits over the well-being of its citizens. Critics claim that Kenya's labor export strategy has created a culture of exploitation, where migrants are seen as cash cows, only valued when they send money home, but ignored when they face hardships abroad. These concerns have grown as thousands of Kenyan workers have faced abuse in the Middle East, and the government has been slow to act in providing adequate protections or responding to calls for assistance.

Mr. Twanga’s actions have also raised questions about the role of Kenyan diplomatic staff in protecting migrant workers. Despite the repeated allegations against him, the Kenyan embassy in Saudi Arabia, and other diplomatic missions, continued to fail those seeking help. In some cases, embassy staff reportedly treated workers dismissively or refused to provide necessary assistance. This dysfunction has created a growing sense of distrust between the Kenyan government and its diaspora, especially among the migrant workers who feel abandoned by the very system that was supposed to protect them.

The Kenyan government’s failure to address the abuse faced by its migrant workers, especially women, has only compounded the broader issues within the labor export industry. While the current administration has pledged to make reforms and increase accountability, many are skeptical about whether meaningful change will occur. The tragic stories of workers like Pauline Muthoni Kariuki and Everlyne John, who have been subjected to physical abuse and mistreatment, highlight the ongoing vulnerability of migrant workers and the need for the government to take immediate, concrete action to protect them from exploitation.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Frowsy (adj, FROW-zee) - Something described as frowsy has a messy or dirty appearance.

Example: The lamp, discovered in a neglected corner of a frowsy antique store, turned out to be quite valuable.

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