The State Department for Diaspora Affairs, in collaboration with the Kenya Mission in Jakarta, has successfully rescued and repatriated a Kenyan toddler who had been placed under custodial care in Indonesia following his mother’s detention.
According to the department, the child arrived safely at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) early Saturday morning, accompanied by Diaspora Affairs officer Grace Akello. He was received by government officials Felister Kebati, Shukri Sirat, and Florence Wangari before being reunited with his grandmother, in the presence of his aunt.
In a statement, the State Department confirmed that it fully financed the repatriation to prevent the child from being placed in state care abroad.
“Under Indonesian law, an infant must remain with the mother for a specific period. If no family member claims custody after that period, the child is placed in a children’s home in the host country,” the statement explained.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu praised both state and non-state partners for their coordination and swift action, which ensured the child’s safe return and reunion with his family.
“We appreciate the tireless efforts of all those involved in safeguarding the welfare of Kenyans abroad, especially in sensitive cases involving minors,” PS Njogu said.
The department reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Kenyans in the diaspora through continued cooperation with foreign missions and relevant agencies.
