Kenyan domestic workers exploited for sex by diplomats in Saudi Arabia

*Trigger warning: This article contains mention of rape, physical abuse, and suicide. 

Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia have come forward with harrowing accounts of sexual abuse—this time, not only from employers but from Kenyan diplomats. A shocking New York Times report reveals that some embassy officials allegedly preyed on the very women they are tasked to protect.

Exploiting the exploited

In 2020, Selestine Kemoli worked as a maid in Saudi Arabia under brutal conditions. Her employer reportedly slashed her breasts with a paring knife, raped her, and forced her to drink urine. Desperate to return home to her children, Kemoli sought help at the Kenyan embassy in Riyadh.

But instead of support, she faced more abuse. When Kemoli shared her experience with embassy diplomat, Robinson Juma Twanga, his response was astonishing. As highlighted by the Deccan Herald, Twanga reportedly said:

“You are beautiful…I will sleep with you, just the same way your boss has slept with you,”

Other Kenyan women have shared similar experiences with Twanga. They say he requested sex or money in exchange for a ticket home and even suggested they turn to sex work. Several women also reported being exploited by other embassy officials.

Faith Gathuo arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2014. After her employer raped and beat her—leaving her pregnant—she went to the embassy for help. An embassy official offered to help—for money and sex. Despite giving him all her money, she received no assistance and ultimately faced deportation.

Kenya continues to turn a blind eye

Kenya’s ongoing economic crisis continues to drive tens of thousands of Kenyans each year to a country where they lack protection. Remittances from migrant workers have become a vital source of national income, and President William Ruto has publicly expressed his intention to send even more Kenyans abroad through new labor agreements.

Meanwhile, political elites in Kenya and members of the Saudi royal family have invested heavily in the recruitment agencies that send domestic workers abroad. As a result, the broken system keeps running—despite widespread reports of abuse.

A spokesperson for President Ruto, claims he had no knowledge of abuse within the embassy. When contacted for comment, Twanga refused to discuss the allegations, saying he had retired.

In Nairobi, lawyers have gathered testimonies from more women who say embassy officials demanded sex or money or encouraged them to enter sex work rather than helping.

Bonareri Okeiga, former program coordinator at Global Justice Group, a legal aid organization, stated:

“There’s no one holding them accountable,”

In one heartbreaking example, the relatives of three Kenyan workers who died in Saudi Arabia said officials asked them to contribute to the cost of bringing their loved one’s home. Kenya’s Foreign Ministry officials claimed the ministry could not afford the costs, but when the families returned with lawyers, they retracted.

Demand accountability now!

The abuse Kenyan domestic workers endure just to support their families is both inhumane and unacceptable. Some are trapped, others return home penniless—or in coffins. And some, like Kemoli, still carry the weight of their trauma years later and have attempted to take their own lives.

Kenya’s government—and all governments—must do more to protect domestic workers. That’s why we must keep speaking out. Sign our petition today to help end domestic servitude and demand stronger protections for workers everywhere.