Kenyan killed, another missing in South Sudan ambush
BY CHAD KITUNDU
A Kenyan was killed early Thursday morning while another was abducted in a deadly ambush along the Morobo-Kaya road, local officials and security sources have confirmed.
Local officials have confirmed that James Karigi, a civil engineer working on a school project, was travelling with another Kenyan engineer at around 8am when their vehicle was attacked by unknown gunmen en route to Kaya.
Speaking to local media, Morobo County Commissioner Charles Data Bullen said that the two Kenyan nationals, were employed by the Don Bosco Catholic Diocese of Morobo to help build the new St Charles Lwanga School.
While confirming the attack, Mr Bullen said that the body of James Karigi was found inside a burnt vehicle. The assailants also ambushed two motorcycle riders who are suspected to have been escorting the engineers.
He added that the second Kenyan worker and the two riders remain missing.
“Security forces acted quickly, engaging the attackers in a firefight that left one assailant dead — a known SPLA-IO combatant,” stated Bullen.
Although no group has officially claimed responsibility, Mr Bullen attributed the assault to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and accused them of recent ambushes and violence against civilians in the area.
The SPLA-IO is a political party and militia group loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar, as well as to the armed groups with which they are allied.
The country has been in a civil war since 2013, when a power struggle and political fallout between President Salva Kiir and the former VP triggered the conflict. The war has persisted despite the signing of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.
This agreement aimed to unify rival forces, but disputes over power sharing, ceasefire violations and territorial control continue to strain relations between the SPLA-IO and the South Sudanese People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
The Don Bosco Diocese has yet to issue an official statement, but a church representative described the incident to The Eye Radio a local publication as “a devastating tragedy that undermines our educational efforts in the region”.
Mr Bullen offered his condolences to the victims’ families and the Don Bosco community, urging them to “stay strong during this challenging time”.
Authorities have warned travellers to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity, particularly on major roads in high-risk areas.
