South Sudanese Whistleblower Released After Nearly Two Months Detention

Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit, a Kenyan-South Sudanese citizen, was seized by armed, masked men after leaving a Nairobi casino on June 10, 2026. He was subsequently taken to the South Sudanese capital Juba, where he was held in a military detention facility for almost two months. The family confirmed his release on August 8 and his return to Nairobi, where he is now receiving medical treatment after his health “deteriorated significantly” during custody. The family announced his return on August 10.

South Sudanese whistleblower released after two months in detention South Sudan whistleblower Athorbey released after nearly two months in detention The Straits Times

Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit is known for providing information on alleged high-level corruption in South Sudan. Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi said the whistleblower had told him in April that he was sharing such allegations. South Sudan’s government regularly dismisses accusations of systematic human-rights abuses and widespread corruption, and its spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny, did not respond to requests for comment.

South Sudanese whistleblower released after two months in detention The Straits TimesSouth Sudan whistleblower Athorbey released after nearly two months in detention

Kenyan and South Sudanese officials said in June they were unaware of his disappearance. Amnesty International Kenya issued an urgent appeal for guarantees of his safety, medical care, and access to legal representation, and called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of his abduction and transfer.

South Sudan whistleblower Athorbey released after nearly two months in detention

Amnesty International Kenya contended that the alleged deportation was unlawful and that any suspicion of an offence should have been addressed through Kenya’s justice system rather than “abduction, incommunicado detention, and deportation.” The organization urged South Sudanese authorities to conduct a transparent inquiry and to ensure compliance with international human-rights standards.

South Sudan whistleblower Athorbey released after nearly two months in detention

• “We have received credible information that Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit (Gaddafi Athorbey), abducted in Nairobi on 10 June 2026, was unlawfully deported to South Sudan and is currently being held at a military detention facility in Juba,” — Amnesty International Kenya

South Sudan whistleblower Athorbey released after nearly two months in detention