Kenya probing death of citizen in Ethiopia  

ESAT News (December 16, 2016)

Zakayo Muriuki

The government of Kenya has launched investigations into the death of a Kenyan whose brought from Ethiopia on Thursday.

Zakayo Muriuki, an engineer, was arrested in Ethiopia on January 10, 2015 when he went to install a VSAT satellite in Jigija.

He was accused of committing telecommunication fraud in the foreign country, according to a report by the Kenyan Star.

Spokesperson Eric Kiraithe told the deceased’s family that security agencies will work towards establishing the cause of Zack’s death.

He said they have involved the Ethiopian government which is yet to explain the circumstances under which the engineer died in the country’s hospital.

The technician was arrested alongside Jedrick Mugo – a radio frequency engineer – working with Space Engineering Company.

Zack’s body arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and was received by his close friends and family.

“Zack was arrested by the Ethiopian authorities while walking out of the compound of the client who had contracted his employer, BSS LTD to install a VSAT Satellite in Jijiga,” Kiraithe said.

He said that the government remains engaged in efforts to secure the release of Mugo.

“We continue to urge their employer to come forth with critical information needed by the Ethiopian government to shed more light into the case,” he said in a statement on Friday.

The government spokesman said the continued silence threatens to cripple the Embassy’s efforts to secure the release of Zack’s friend.

He urged Kenyans in conflict-prone countries to maintain the highest levels of vigilance.