Kenya repatriates citizens from South Sudan following renewed fighting

The government has started repatriation of Kenyans in South Sudan following renewed violence in the East african nation between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar.

According to a statement from the Kenya Red Cross, the first plane with 100 citizens arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 10:30 AM with five other planes expected later today, Saturday.

“A team from the Kenya Red Cross Society and Emergency Plus Medical Services has been activated to offer support to the evacuation mission,” said the Emergency Operations and Security Manager Venant Ndighila.

Kenya Red Cross has also set up a reception center at JKIA to receive and process the returnees.

Over 200 people have died in South Sudan since renewed fighting broke out in Juba between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and first Vice President Riek Machar.

Renewed fighting in Juba came hours after the United Nations Security Council called for an immediate end to the fighting.