Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei addressed the matter on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, expressing concern over the punishment while acknowledging Saudi Arabia's independence in handling its judicial affairs.
In a statement shared on social media, Sing’Oei described the sentence as treatment that would be considered cruel and inhuman under Kenyan law.
He, however, maintained that Kenya would continue engaging Saudi authorities to address the matter through diplomatic channels.
The case involves a Kenyan mother of five who was working legally as a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia when she became pregnant following a relationship with an Egyptian man.
She reportedly delivered a baby boy in August 2025 at her workplace accommodation. Her supervisor discovered the newborn and took her to hospital, where she was subsequently questioned and detained by police.
By the time the matter attracted the attention of Saudi authorities, the child's father had already left the country.
The woman was eventually prosecuted in Riyadh, with the court delivering its ruling in October 2026 after several hearings. She reportedly attended the proceedings without legal representation, although a translator was provided.
Her attempts to return to Kenya with her young son were unsuccessful as the case remained before the courts. Her travel documents also expired during the proceedings.
Saudi Arabia criminalises sexual relations outside marriage, with women who become pregnant without being married potentially facing legal consequences. The country's regulations also create difficulties for unmarried mothers seeking official birth registration for their children.
The sentencing has renewed questions about Saudi Arabia's 2020 reforms targeting judicial flogging, which primarily addressed discretionary offences rather than eliminating corporal punishment in every category.
Meanwhile, Kenya has previously undertaken diplomatic initiatives to assist mothers and children facing documentation challenges in Saudi Arabia.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing published in November 2025 revealed that 707 DNA samples had been collected to establish parent-child relationships and facilitate birth registration.
The government also disclosed that joint efforts with Saudi authorities had helped 59 Kenyan mothers and 73 children return home using emergency travel documents.
https://peopledaily.digital/news/govt-reacts-after-kenyan-mother-is-sentenced-to-100-lashes-in-saudi-arabia-for-childbirth-outside-marriage
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