Ministry: Kenyan worker in Turkey safe after workplace dispute

Diaspora PS Roseline Njogu/X

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has confirmed that a Kenyan national working in Turkey is safe following an incident that circulated widely on social media.

The incident, which reportedly took place on February 4, 2026, involved a Kenyan woman employed in Ankara.

A video shared online showed a confrontation between the worker and her employers over unpaid wages.

In the footage, the woman is seen requesting payment for her services while attempting to record the encounter.

During the exchange, a man appears to strike her as she insists on receiving her salary.

She repeatedly questions why she is being hit and states her intention to report the matter to the authorities.

At one point, a child enters the scene, and two men appear at a doorway, seemingly attempting to intervene.

The video concludes with all parties agreeing to go to the police to resolve the matter.

Principal Secretary for the State Department of Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, said the Kenyan Embassy in Ankara acted promptly upon learning of the situation.

“I’d like to confirm that the Kenyan Embassy in Ankara immediately took steps to assist our national,” Njogu said. She added that the worker has since received medical attention and that her salary and any outstanding arrears have been fully paid.

The embassy is also providing ongoing support to help her cope with the aftermath of the incident, in line with Turkish law.

Njogu expressed gratitude to both the embassy and the Ministry’s Diaspora Desk for their swift response.

“She is now safe. Thank you to the Kenyan Embassy in Ankara and Diaspora Kenya for their support, and to those who alerted us to this situation,” she said.

The Ministry urged Kenyans living and working abroad to report any threats or incidents to the 24-hour response centre.

Officials also advised diaspora workers to remain vigilant, document disputes when possible, and seek timely assistance from diplomatic missions.

The video comes amid broader concerns over the welfare and safety of Kenyans working overseas.

Many face challenges such as unpaid wages, exploitation, and unsafe working conditions, highlighting the need for continued support from Kenyan embassies and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.