Kenyan Worker Freed After Paying Ksh.3 Million Ransom in Ethiopia
Mbugua had been serving as a plant manager at a glass packaging factory in Debre Benha, Amhara region, located about 120 kilometres from Addis Ababa, when he was kidnapped
Kenyan national Samuel Njagi Mbugua, who was abducted in Ethiopia on October 28, 2025, has been safely released after his captors received a Ksh.3 million ransom
According to the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Mbugua’s employer made the payment following days of tense negotiations involving Ethiopian authorities, the Kenyan Embassy in Addis Ababa, and his family
Mbugua had been serving as a plant manager at a glass packaging factory in Debre Benha, Amhara region, located about 120 kilometres from Addis Ababa, when he was kidnapped
“We are deeply relieved to announce that Mr. Samuel Njagi Mbugua, who was abducted at his workplace in Ethiopia, has been safely released and reunited with his family after arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,” read a statement from Mudavadi’s office posted on X
President William Ruto, while addressing Kenyans in Doha, Qatar, confirmed the release, saying that the company Mbugua worked for had settled the ransom demand
“Our Ambassador in Ethiopia worked tirelessly, and the company agreed to pay the Ksh.3 million demanded by the abductors,” Ruto said
Mbugua returned to Nairobi on the morning of November 5, 2025, where he was warmly received by his family and government officials
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The Kenyan government reaffirmed that the safety of its citizens working abroad remains a top diplomatic priority, pledging continued support to Mbugua and his family as they recover from the traumatic experience.
“We remain committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of Kenyans working abroad remain central to our diplomatic engagements,” the PCS office emphasized
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
