The government has confirmed the safe release of Samuel Njagi Mbugua, a Kenyan who was abducted on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at his workplace in Ethiopia following the payment of a Ksh3 million ransom.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 5, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS) said Mbugua was released following efforts by the Ethiopian Government, the Kenyan Embassy in Ethiopia, and the company he was working for.
The company paid 3 million Ethiopian Birr, equivalent to 3 million shillings, on Tuesday to secure Mbugua’s freedom.
“Today, November 4th, Mr. Mbugua was released following concerted efforts of the Ethiopian Government, the Kenyan Embassy, the company, and the family, after difficult negotiations.
“The Company paid 3 million Ethiopian Birr, equivalent to KES. 3 million to secure his release,” read the statement in part.
Mbugua was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at his workplace in Debre Benha, in Amhara, 120 kilometers from Addis Ababa.
He was working as plant manager at the Ardash Glass Company and had been stationed at Debre Berhan for 2 years.
Following Mbugua’s kidnapping, the Kenyan Embassy reported the matter to the Ethiopian authorities.
“Immediately he was kidnapped, the Kenyan Embassy in Ethiopia reported the matter to the Authorities and has extended its support with the Ardash Glass Company and family, who have been negotiating for his release,” OPCS stated.
Mbugua was flown back to Kenya on Tuesday night and arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 01.40 am.
This comes months after Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan who had been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia for manslaughter, was released and returned to Kenya.
Munyakho was released from prison on Tuesday, July 22, after the required Ksh129 million blood money was fully paid.
He had been held at Shimeisi Prison in Saudi Arabia since April 9, 2011, following a fatal workplace altercation that resulted in the death of a colleague.
Munyakho was convicted of manslaughter in 2013 and sentenced to five years, but the family of the deceased appealed, leading to a death sentence.
Following intense bilateral negotiations, including a temporary deferment of the execution in 2024, the Government of Kenya secured his release.
Munyakho arrived in Kenya on Monday, July 29, and was received by family members, friends, and government officials, led by Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei.
