U.S. Warns Against Harassment of Officials After South Africa Detains Kenyan Visa Contractors
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 19 — The United States has warned that it will not tolerate the harassment or public exposure of personal details of its officials - Kenya breaking news | Kenya news today | Capitalfm.co.ke..
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The United States has strongly condemned South Africa for detaining U.S. officials and publicly releasing their personal information after South African authorities arrested seven Kenyan nationals accused of working illegally on tourist visas.
- Seven Kenyan nationals were arrested in Johannesburg for working illegally on tourist visas, prompting immediate deportation orders and a five-year ban from re-entering South Africa.
- The U.S. State Department stated it "condemns in the strongest terms" the detention of U.S. officials and the public release of their passport information, calling it an unacceptable attempt to intimidate American personnel and threatening "severe consequences" if those responsible are not held accountable.
- South Africa's Department of Home Affairs denied arresting any U.S. officials or harassing asylum seekers, emphasizing that the operation was intelligence-led and targeted immigration violations, not diplomatic sites.
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Kenya Repatriates Citizens From Russia; Diplomatic Tensions Rise with South Africa Over Detained Kenyans - December 2025
The Kenyan government has successfully repatriated 18 of its citizens from Russia who were allegedly recruited to fight against Ukraine. These returnees are set to receive psycho-social support as part of a reintegration program. In a separate international incident, South Africa accused the United States of using Kenyan nationals without work permits at a facility processing refugee applications. Following this, South African authorities arrested seven Kenyan nationals who were accused of working illegally on tourist visas. The United States condemned South Africa for detaining U.S. officials involved in the matter and for publicly releasing their personal information, leading to increased tensions.
