NAIROBI, Kenya (Prime Africa)– The Government of Kenya is actively engaging Indian authorities through diplomatic channels to assist Chris Anyuga Barake, a Kenyan university student detained in India since October 6, 2023, on allegations of cybercrime.
While addressing Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that Barake, a holder of Kenyan passport number B203878, was arrested on charges of identity theft and impersonation under India’s Information Technology Act, in addition to visa violations under the Foreigners Act.
“Mr. Barake travelled to India for studies and enrolled at Kantaka University,” said Mudavadi during a session of the National Assembly in response to a question by West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka. “The Government, through its High Commission in New Delhi, has been in contact with him and has confirmed that he is in good health as of the latest welfare check conducted on April 16, 2025.”
Barake has since secured legal representation and was granted bail set at 200,000 Indian rupees with a matching surety. However, his release remains on hold pending the renewal of his visa, which is under review by Indian authorities.
Raising concerns in Parliament, MP Mogaka urged the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to intervene and ensure that Barake is able to sit his university examinations despite his detention. “I do plead that the ministry assists the student not to miss his university examinations while under detention,” Mogaka stated, emphasizing the legal principle of presumed innocence.
In response, Mudavadi assured the House that diplomatic efforts were underway to address the issue. “We will follow that up immediately to see if arrangements can be made for him to sit his exams while legal processes continue,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also took the opportunity to highlight broader initiatives aimed at protecting Kenyans abroad. These include continuous registration at Kenyan embassies, deployment of immigration attachés, provision of mobile consular services, and emergency travel documentation for citizens in distress.
He further outlined new support systems such as a diaspora legal aid framework and a mental health action plan to assist Kenyans living and working overseas. “The State Department of Diaspora Affairs continues to engage Kenyan communities abroad, sensitizing them to comply with host country laws while offering consular support to those in legal trouble,” Mudavadi said.
The case of Chris Anyuga Barake has drawn national attention and renewed calls for the government to bolster support structures for Kenyans abroad, especially students and workers facing legal or humanitarian challenges in foreign jurisdictions.
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