Truckers union says Kenyan drivers shot dead in Juba

Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union says more than a dozen drivers were killed in crossfire in Juba during the recent clashes.

Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union says more than a dozen drivers were killed in crossfire in Juba during the recent clashes.

The Star in Kenya quoted the union as saying 15 Kenyan truck drivers and six Ugandan drivers were shot dead near Jebel area on Saturday, though these numbers have not been corroborated independently by witness or family accounts.

“They were caught in a crossfire on their way from Juba amid intense fighting in the country,” the Star reported, citing the union.

Secretary general Nicholas Mbugua said eight others were still missing but that Kenyan and South Sudan authorities were carrying out searches.

“We have contacted the Foreign Affairs ministry to assist in locating the missing drivers and assess the situation. We can confirm that we have lost drivers since Thursday’s fighting,” Mbugua said on Tuesday.

He said they were expecting a meeting with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Monica Juma to discuss the matter.

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