Kenyan Engineer Freed in Ethiopia After Ksh2.5 Million Ransom Paid

A Kenyan engineer abducted in Ethiopia last week has been released after his employer paid a ransom of 3 million Ethiopian Birr (about Ksh3 million).

Samuel Njagi Mbugua, a plant manager at a glass packaging factory in Debre Benha, Amhara region, was taken from his workplace on Tuesday, 28 October. He was freed on Monday, 4 November, following negotiations involving his employer, Ethiopian authorities, and the Kenyan Embassy in Addis Ababa.

The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, confirmed Mbugua’s release, crediting joint efforts by the Ethiopian government, the Kenyan Embassy, the company, and Mbugua’s family. 

“Today, November 4th, Mr Mbugua was released following concerted efforts of the Ethiopian Government, the Kenyan Embassy, the company, and the family during difficult negotiations,” the statement said.

After his release, Mbugua was flown from Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa to Nairobi, where he was reunited with his family at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A photograph released by the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary showed him appearing physically unharmed but visibly subdued.

The abduction has renewed concern about the safety of Kenyan professionals working in Ethiopia, particularly in areas affected by instability. Although Ethiopia remains a key regional partner and investment destination, incidents of insecurity continue to pose risks for foreign workers in industrial and remote locations.

In 2021, a similar case was reported when Kenyan businessman Simon Njoroge was allegedly held hostage in Ethiopia by an associate over a failed business deal, with a ransom of Ksh25 million demanded for his release.