The Kenyan government has responded after a Saudi Arabian court sentenced a Kenyan woman to 100 lashes for giving birth outside marriage, raising fresh concerns about the treatment of Kenyan migrant workers abroad.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei expressed sadness over the court's decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11.
Sing’Oei described the punishment as cruel and inhuman under Kenyan law, while acknowledging Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and judicial system.
He said Kenya would continue engaging with Saudi authorities on matters concerning judicial enforcement and the welfare of its citizens working in the Gulf country.
The woman, identified as Esther Wanja Muthoni, 40, was reportedly sentenced after a Saudi court found her guilty of giving birth outside marriage.
Muthoni was working as a domestic worker when she became pregnant following a relationship with an Egyptian national who later left Saudi Arabia.
She gave birth to her son, Abudy, in August 2025. Her pregnancy reportedly came to the attention of her supervisor after the child was born, leading to her detention and subsequent prosecution.
The court later imposed the 100-lash punishment under Saudi Arabia's legal system.
The case comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Kenyans seeking employment in Middle Eastern countries, particularly those working as domestic workers.
A recent United States Department of State report indicated that more than 500,000 Kenyans were working across the Middle East.
The report also revealed that at least 274 Kenyan migrant workers died in Saudi Arabia over five years, with 55 deaths reported in 2024 alone.
These revelations have renewed attention on the challenges facing Kenyan workers abroad.
Meanwhile, Sing’Oei's statement signals Kenya's intention to continue diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia as the government addresses the case and wider migrant worker concerns.
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