A video showing a Kenyan domestic worker being violently assaulted by her employer in Turkey has triggered widespread outrage online, reigniting debate about the responsibility of African governments to protect citizens working abroad.

The footage, described by viewers as deeply disturbing, was first highlighted by Alinur Mohamed, who questioned why senior Kenyan officials had allegedly failed to safeguard Kenyans in the diaspora.

In a post shared on X, he referenced the apparent inaction of top government figures, asking why migrant workers continued to face abuse with little visible intervention from authorities.
The post quickly drew public attention, prompting an official response from Kenya’s government.

Roseline Kathure Njogu confirmed that the Kenyan Embassy in Ankara had acted immediately after receiving information about the assault on 4 February 2026.

According to her statement, embassy officials intervened to assist the victim, who has since received medical treatment, had her unpaid salary and arrears settled in full, and is now receiving legal support in line with Turkish law.

She added that the worker is currently safe and praised the efforts of the Kenyan Embassy in Ankara and the Diaspora Affairs team, while also urging Kenyans abroad to contact the country’s 24-hour response centre if they face distress or danger.

While the update brought relief to many, the incident also sparked broader conversations beyond Kenya, particularly among Nigerians living overseas. Responding to the unfolding situation, a user identified as Olaide expressed concern over whether Nigerian diplomatic missions were paying attention to similar cases, specifically calling on the Nigerian High Commission in London to take note.
That sentiment was expanded upon by Benjamin Kuti, who criticised what he described as the limited role of the Nigerian Embassy in London.

In his response, he argued that many Nigerians in the UK feel the embassy’s presence is largely confined to passport renewals, with little meaningful engagement or protection offered during crises. He cited difficulties faced by families when Nigerians die abroad, challenges in obtaining embassy support in sensitive child-care or social services cases, and the general lack of accessible guidance during emotionally distressing situations. According to him, embassies should function as sources of protection and representation, not merely administrative centres, and he expressed hope that the appointment of a new ambassador would lead to improved community engagement and stronger support systems.

Echoing similar frustrations, another respondent, AfrikaCapulet, shared a personal experience from a recent visit to the embassy. The user described the mission as operating primarily for passport services and characterised it as inefficient, alleging that even basic processes relied on outdated, paper-based systems. The comment reinforced a recurring perception among some diaspora members that embassies prioritise revenue-generating services over citizen welfare.

Together, the reactions underline a wider concern among Africans in the diaspora about the level of protection, advocacy, and emergency support available to migrant workers and residents abroad.

While the Kenyan government’s swift intervention in this case has been widely acknowledged, many contributors argue that the incident highlights the need for consistent, proactive engagement by African diplomatic missions to ensure citizens are not left vulnerable in foreign countries.