The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has expressed deep concern after four refugees were repatriated from Kenya to Turkey. Kenya’s foreign ministry confirmed that the men were returned at Turkey’s request due to the “robust historical and strategic relations” between the two nations, with assurances that the refugees would be treated with dignity.
The UNHCR’s concern arises from reports of several abductions in Nairobi, including a British national who told the BBC that he and other Turkish citizens were kidnapped by masked men. The British man, Necdet Seyitoğlu, was released after showing his passport, but six others he knew were still missing.
The refugees are reportedly affiliated with the Gulen movement, a powerful global Islamic community that has been at odds with Turkey’s government since being blamed for the failed 2016 coup attempt. The movement’s leader passed away recently, and its members fear political persecution.
The UNHCR urged Kenya to respect its international obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention, which prohibits the forced return of refugees to countries where their lives may be in danger. Kenyan law firm Mukele & Kakai, acting on behalf of the four repatriated men, warned airlines against facilitating their removal, describing them as “victims of political victimization.”
Kenyan police confirmed they are investigating a kidnapping case, following eyewitness reports of armed men abducting people in Nairobi. Amnesty International has also voiced concern over these developments, stressing the need for Kenya to uphold the rights of asylum seekers.
Turkey has not yet commented on the situation, but the country’s relationships with African nations, including Kenya, have grown over the years, adding another layer of complexity to this unfolding situation.
