The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs confirmed in an official statement that Kenya had “acceded to this request on the strength of the robust historical and strategic relations anchored on bilateral instruments between our respective countries.” The four individuals had sought refuge in Kenya, but their return to Türkiye comes following diplomatic negotiations between the two countries.
Dr. A. Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, further explained that the Turkish government provided assurances that the repatriated individuals would be treated “with dignity in keeping with national and international law.”
He emphasized that Kenya is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals, stating, “Kenya is committed to the privacy and confidentiality of the repatriated individuals and will refrain from responding to media inquiries on the subject until the ongoing inter-agency review of the case is complete.”
The Kenyan government stressed that the decision aligns with the country’s adherence to international legal standards regarding the protection of refugee rights.
“Kenya assures the international community of its unswerving commitment to the protection and promotion of refugee rights as prescribed under national and international law,” the statement read. Kenya hosts over 780,000 refugees, and the government remains committed to safeguarding their welfare and ensuring their rights are upheld. “As such, the rights, welfare, and well-being of the more than 780,000 refugees residing in the country will remain the government’s singular priority,” added Dr. Sing’Oei.
