(NAIROBI) – Human rights organisations have raised concern over the reported disappearance of South Sudanese businessman Athorbey Al Gaddhaffy Dit in Kenya, warning that the case could develop into a sensitive legal and diplomatic issue between Nairobi and Juba.
Amnesty International Kenya said Athorbey, also known as Gadafi Athorbey Guet, was allegedly taken by masked armed men in Nairobi during the early hours of June 10. The organisation stated that it fears he could be held at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and may face deportation to South Sudan without due legal process.
The rights group said such actions would raise serious concerns over compliance with Kenyan law and international human rights obligations. Amnesty International Kenya added that the circumstances surrounding the incident appeared consistent with an enforced disappearance.
In a public statement, the organisation called on Kenyan authorities to immediately reveal Athorbey’s whereabouts, allow him access to family members and legal representatives, and open a transparent investigation into the incident.
The group also stressed that if the businessman is suspected of any offence, the matter should be handled through Kenya’s judicial system rather than through detention without communication or forced transfer across borders.
The case has attracted growing attention in South Sudan, where the Nile Institute for Human Rights Studies also called on authorities in both countries to present Athorbey before a competent court and clarify his legal status.
According to the institute, family members said the businessman last spoke to his wife on Monday morning at around 10:19 a.m. before communication stopped completely.
The organisation said the lack of official information regarding his location had intensified fears about his safety and legal rights. It further warned that any transfer conducted outside recognised legal procedures could amount to unlawful rendition and enforced disappearance.
The incident is likely to attract interest within South Sudan’s business community, particularly among investors and traders who regularly travel across East Africa for commerce and financial activities. Analysts say concerns over legal certainty, personal security and due process remain important factors influencing regional business confidence and cross border investment flows.
Kenya serves as a major commercial and transport hub for South Sudanese businesses, with many traders relying on Nairobi for banking, logistics, medical services and international connections. Cases involving prominent business figures can therefore quickly gain economic as well as political attention.
Both Amnesty International Kenya and the Nile Institute for Human Rights Studies said the situation remains urgent, warning that delays in clarifying Athorbey’s status could increase risks to his safety and wellbeing.
As of publication, authorities in both Kenya and South Sudan had not released official statements regarding the businessman’s whereabouts or any legal proceedings connected to the case.