ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH: Kenya Sets Deadline For Kenyans Trapped In Lebanon

ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH: Kenya Sets Deadline For Kenyans Trapped In Lebanon

The government has issued a warning to citizens trapped in war-torn Lebanon, giving them an 11-day deadline to register for evacuation.

As the situation worsens due to ongoing hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, Kenyans have until October 12 to secure a spot in government-facilitated rescue efforts.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressed concern about the low registration numbers and urged those trapped to act quickly.

📣 NOTICE TO KENYANS IN LEBANON! 📣
Register here https://t.co/d9pTnwvHze pic.twitter.com/WjCLNe5VHd
— Roseline Kathure Njogu, CBS 🇰🇪 (@roselinenjogu) October 1, 2024

Many Kenyans in Lebanon, mostly domestic workers, have been caught in the crossfire of the escalating conflict, with some unable to flee because their employers have withheld their passports.

Disturbing footage circulating on social media depicts a bleak scenario.

In one video, Brenda Muthoni, a Kenyan woman trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building, begs for assistance.

“The house has collapsed, and explosions are everywhere. My boss fled to Switzerland, leaving me behind,” she narrates, her voice shaking.

Others, like Muthoni, have found themselves abandoned by their employers as the violence escalates.

Abandoned by bosses fleeing the war, Kenyan domestic workers trapped in Lebanon cry for evacuation pic.twitter.com/5xQy54voZ3
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) September 30, 2024

Muthoni’s account demonstrates the dangers that many Kenyans face. Workers have been stranded, with some even locked inside their homes with no means of escape, as their employers have fled the country.

According to reports, these workers are unable to retrieve their passports, preventing them from leaving the conflict zone.

Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, urged all Kenyans in Lebanon to register immediately.

“We are deeply concerned that many have not yet come forward despite our repeated appeals. Time is running out, and only registered individuals will be eligible for evacuation,” she emphasised.

A video shows a Kenyan woman running through the streets of Beirut, highlighting the urgency of the situation as explosions sound in the background.

Her plea for divine intervention, “Mungu shuka na usitumane,” captures the desperation felt by many in Lebanon.

The increasing intensity of the conflict has brought it closer to areas where Kenyan workers live, reducing their chances of safe passage.

However, the government remains committed to the evacuation efforts. Two groups of Kenyans have already been flown home, and the Ministry assures that no one will be left behind.

Halima Mohamud, Kenya’s non-resident Ambassador to Lebanon based in Kuwait, confirmed that communication channels are still open with those who remain stranded.

“We are in touch with all Kenyans in Lebanon. So far, no one has been reported dead or injured,” Mohamud stated.

There are approximately 26,599 Kenyans in Lebanon, many of whom have arrived to work in the domestic and hospitality sectors as part of an agreement with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

However, the unexpected outbreak of violence has thrown their lives into disarray, leaving them reliant on government efforts for safety.

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The online registration process has become the lifeline for those seeking rescue.

Failure to register by the October 12th deadline will result in missing out on critical evacuation efforts, which the government has stated cannot be delayed.

The Ministry urges Kenyans in Lebanon to register immediately using the provided online platform or call the government directly using the emergency numbers provided.

“Register through, or contact us on the following numbers for communication and coordination: +96590906719, +96171175006, +254114757002.”

ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH: Kenya Sets Deadline For Kenyans Trapped In Lebanon