South Sudan: 1 Kenyan Engineer Killed, Another Missing after Ambush by Gunmen
- On Thursday, July 31, two Kenyans were ambushed by gunmen along the Morobo-Kaya Road
- Authorities in South Sudan shared details of the people who attacked the two Kenyans, who included an engineer
- In the statement, the authorities explained what the Kenyans were doing in South Sudan at the time of the attack
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Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
South Sudan - Security agencies have confirmed the death of a Kenyan engineer following an ambush along the Morobo-Kaya Road.
Source: Getty Images
The Daily Monitor reported that armed men ambushed two Kenyans, torched their car on Thursday, July 30.
What happened to Kenyan engineer in South Sudan?
Confirming the incident, Morobo County Commissioner Charles Data Bullen, said the government killed one of the attackers, identified as a known Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) fighter.
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“Our soldiers arrived and engaged the attackers, killing one rebel. We are still gathering information on the others involved," Bullen said.
According to the authorities, Kenyans who were attacked have been identified as James Kariuki and Richard Matiang'i.
What was James Kariuki doing in South Sudan?
Preliminary investigations indicate the two were traveling to Uganda to purchase construction materials when their vehicle was attacked near Bazi, three miles from Morobo town.
Isaac Batali, chairperson of Holy Trinity Church, stated that Kariuki was contracted to build a primary school and renovate the parish quarters.
“The incident happened today. When I reached the church compound at 8 a.m., I learned that James Kariuki, a Kenyan working on our school and the priest’s residence, had left earlier to buy materials in Uganda. Around three miles from here, near Bazi, they were ambushed. The car was burned, and there were bullet holes. The engineer was found dead inside," Batali said as reported by Radio Tamazuj.
Batali revealed that Kariuki's body was found at the roadside, but Matiangi was nowhere to be seen.
According to local authorities, two motorcycle riders who were reportedly accompanying the Kenyans are also missing.
The attackers also torched the motorcycles moments before South Sudaneses forces arrived at the scene.
Source: Facebook
How were Turkana fishermen killed?
In other sad news, four fishermen were killed in an ambush by suspected Ethiopian Merile attackers.
According to police reports in Turkana county, the attack occurred on Thursday, May 15, at Todonyang, near the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
Preliminary investigations showed that the victims, residents of Todonyang and Lowarengak, were reportedly on a fishing expedition on Lake Turkana when they were attacked by heavily armed men.
Chief Mustafa Kebo confirmed the incident, stating that the fishermen may have been asleep after casting their nets when the attackers struck.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Lodwar Level 4 Hospital mortuary for postmortem and other necessary procedures as police launched investigations.
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In February, around 20 Kenyans were killed in a similar attack, which was condemned by political leaders in the region.
In June 2025, President William Ruto visited the volatile region and promised that his administration will adress the recurring insecurity and cross-border tensions.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
