South Sudanese whistleblower Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit has been released after spending nearly two months in detention in the capital, Juba, according to his family. The dual Kenyan-South Sudanese citizen was reportedly abducted in Nairobi in June before being taken to South Sudan. His family said he has now returned to Nairobi and is receiving medical care after his health deteriorated during his detention.
Whistleblower Taken From Nairobi in June
Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit was reportedly seized by armed and masked men after leaving a casino on the outskirts of Nairobi in early June. His wife subsequently filed a police report describing his disappearance, with witness accounts indicating that he was taken against his will.
The circumstances surrounding his transfer from Kenya to South Sudan raised concerns among rights advocates. Amnesty International said it had received information indicating that he was being held at a military detention facility in Juba and described the reported circumstances as consistent with an enforced disappearance.
Family Says Investigations Found No Wrongdoing
The whistleblower’s family said he was released on August 8 and subsequently returned to Nairobi. They expressed relief over his return but questioned why he had been detained for such a long period without being given a clear explanation for his arrest.
According to the family, Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit was subjected to investigations while in custody, but those investigations did not establish any wrongdoing. His relatives also said they had not been informed of the reason for his detention.
The case has attracted attention because of Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit’s previous disclosures concerning alleged corruption in South Sudan. Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi said the whistleblower had shared information with him in April about allegations involving high-level corruption in the country.
Health Concerns After Release
Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit’s family said his health worsened considerably during his time in detention. Following his return to Kenya, he began receiving medical treatment in Nairobi.
His release ends nearly two months of uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts and condition. However, questions remain about the circumstances of his reported abduction in Kenya, his transfer to South Sudan and the reasons for his prolonged detention.
The case has renewed attention on concerns surrounding the treatment of critics and whistleblowers in South Sudan, particularly when allegations involve government corruption and accountability.
