Muthama calls for release of abducted Kenyan driver in DRC

Parliamentary Service Commissioner Johnson Muthama has urged the government to intervene and secure the release of a Kenyan truck driver alleged to have been kidnapped in DR Congo.

Muthama particularly called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to lead diplomatic efforts to have Florence Wanza Munyao freed.

Munyao is reported to have been captured by members of the FDRL, Kinshasa’s armed rebel group on August 27.

According to a statement from Alliance Fleuve Congo, a politico-military movement operating in Eastern DRC, Munyao was abducted at Kiseguro at noon within the Binza grouping.

“AFC draws the attention of both the National and International Community to the ongoing violations of the ceasefire by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime, mainly the FARDC, FDLR, Mercenaries, Mai-Mai/Wazalendo Militias, the National Defense Forces of Burundi, SADC Forces and MONUSCO,” the statement reads in part.

AFC is associated with several non-governmental armed groups, including the March 23 Movement/Congolese Revolutionary Army (M23/ARC).

“I am asking Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, to urgently secure the release of Grace Wanza Munyao,” Muthama said.

AFC also highlighted the security issues in the region including ongoing ceasefire violations by the rebels.

According to the organisation, the same FDRL continues to threaten local agricultural activities through kidnappings and looting, thereby spreading terror and insecurity.

It has, however, expressed its commitment to protecting and defending the rights of its “compatriots” against these terrorist acts.