A Kenyan national who disappeared from his workplace in Ethiopia late last month has safely returned home after days of uncertainty and tense negotiations.
Samuel Njagi Mbugua, a plant manager at a glass manufacturing factory in Debre Berhan, Amhara region about 120 kilometres from Addis Ababa was abducted from his place of work on October 28. His disappearance triggered a coordinated effort between his employer, his family, and both the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments.
According to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Mbugua was released on Monday, November 4, following the payment of a ransom reportedly amounting to 3 million Ethiopian Birr (approximately KSh3 million), which was settled by his employer. The details surrounding how the kidnapping unfolded and the identity of the abductors remain unclear.
Mudavadi’s office confirmed that multiple parties played a role in securing his freedom, including the Kenyan Embassy in Addis Ababa and Ethiopian security authorities. Negotiations had quietly been ongoing since the abduction was reported by the Kenyan mission in Ethiopia.
Mbugua boarded a late-night flight from Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa at 11:35 p.m. on November 4 and was received by his family and government officials upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
“We are relieved to confirm that Mr. Samuel Njagi Mbugua, who was abducted on October 28 while on duty in Ethiopia, has safely returned to Kenya and reunited with his family,” the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary announced.
While the government declined to reveal the circumstances leading to his kidnapping or the exact conditions of his release, officials emphasized the complexity of the negotiation process and applauded the cooperation between both countries.
This incident has once again drawn attention to the risks faced by foreign workers in parts of Ethiopia. It is not the first time a Kenyan has found themselves in danger under similar circumstances. In 2021, businessman Simon Njoroge was reportedly abducted over a disputed business deal, with his captors allegedly demanding KSh25 million for his release.
Mbugua is now back home, recovering from the ordeal, as investigations into the abduction continue.
