Kenya Kept a Diplomat in His Job Despite Years of Sex Abuse Accusations

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Abdi Latif Dahir and Justin ScheckDecember 4, 2025 at 11:04 AM

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A *New York Times* investigation reveals that the Kenyan government allegedly ignored or downplayed reports of mistreatment of Kenyan women working in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, complaints surfaced regarding Robinson Juma Twanga, a Kenyan diplomat and labor attaché in Saudi Arabia, who was accused of sexually abusing women seeking help from the embassy. Despite multiple complaints to the labor ministry as early as 2019, and a report from a Kenyan union leader in 2020, Twanga was allowed to continue working with migrant women. This has put pressure on President William Ruto, whose economic plan relies on sending Kenyan workers abroad. The investigation highlights the vulnerability of Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia, where hundreds have died in recent years, and many women have reported abuse.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Saudi Arabia ×460% Pauline Muthoni Kariuki ×270% William Ruto ×480% Robinson Juma Twanga ×380%

Keywords

sex abuse 90% sexual abuse accusations 80% kenyan diplomat 70% robinson juma twanga 70% saudi arabia 70% migrant women 60% william ruto 50% mistreatment of women 50% labor attaché 50% labor ministry 40%