Family in limbo as son remains detained in Saudi Arabia

For more than a year, the family says they have endured uncertainty and emotional distress, unsure of when—or whether—Muthii will return home.

His mother, Esther Nyawira Kinyua, says the news of her son’s arrest shattered her.

“I have been crying since I was informed last August that my son was being held by police in Saudi Arabia,” she said, struggling to contain her emotions. “We have had many sleepless nights praying for his safe return.”

Muthii’s wife, Rosemary Nyambura, says her husband had worked in Saudi Arabia for the past 10 years. The couple communicated daily until August 2025, when she suddenly lost contact with him.

After two days of unsuccessful attempts to reach him, Nyambura contacted one of his friends, who informed her that Muthii had allegedly been arrested alongside Ethiopian nationals found in possession of cocaine.

According to the friend, Muthii worked as a driver for a local company and had reportedly been asked by an Ethiopian acquaintance to carry a paper bag that allegedly contained the illicit substance. He was later stopped at a roadblock and arrested. Despite maintaining his innocence, he was taken into custody.

The friend further claimed that the Ethiopian suspect was later arrested, arraigned in court and charged, but Muthii remains in detention, with no clear timeline for his release.

The family says they have sought assistance from relevant government agencies and have been advised to pursue the matter through the Kenyan Embassy. However, they claim their efforts have been slowed by bureaucracy.

“We were told to visit the employment authority offices in Kasarani and Upper Hill to seek help through the diaspora department, but we are still waiting for a response,” Nyambura said.

Neighbours and relatives who have been gathering for prayer sessions say they are puzzled by the continued detention.

“Why is he still being held in Saudi police cells if the person said to own the drugs was arrested?” posed Virginia Wangui, a neighbour.

The family is now appealing to the national government and local leaders to intervene and help secure Muthii’s release or repatriation.

As they await answers, the family says hope and prayer are all they have left while they wait for clarity on his fate.