Kenyan Engineer Killed in Morobo Ambush as Road Attacks Escalate

(MOROBO) – A Kenyan civil engineer, James Karigi, has been killed in a deadly ambush along the Morobo-Kaya road in Central Equatoria State, South Sudan. The attack occurred on Thursday morning, 31 July 2025, and has been confirmed by local officials and security sources.

Karigi was travelling with another Kenyan national and two South Sudanese motorcycle escorts to the border town of Kaya when their vehicle was ambushed at approximately 8:00 AM by unidentified gunmen. The engineers had been contracted by the Don Bosco Catholic Diocese of Morobo to carry out construction works at the new St. Charles Lwanga School.

The gunmen opened fire and set the vehicle on fire. Government troops responded quickly and recovered the body of Karigi from the burnt vehicle. His colleague and the two motorcyclists have not been accounted for, and their whereabouts remain unknown as of the time of reporting.

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) reported that one of the suspected attackers was shot and killed during a short exchange of fire. No group has claimed responsibility for the ambush.

The Don Bosco Diocese has yet to release an official statement, but sources within the church described the incident as “a tragic loss and a blow to our educational mission in the region.”

Morobo County Commissioner, Hon. Charles Data Bullen, condemned the killing and expressed sympathy to the families and the Catholic community. He alleged that the gunman killed during the exchange was a known member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), which he accused of fuelling insecurity in the region.

Hon. Data offered condolences and urged the Don Bosco parish to remain strong during this difficult period. He also called on civilians and development partners to remain cautious, especially when travelling along the Morobo-Kaya road.

This incident is part of a worrying pattern of increasing violence in Morobo County, particularly along the critical transit route linking South Sudan to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In recent months, several deadly ambushes have been reported.

On 2 July 2025, a businessman identified as John Bosco Jamba, locally known as “Munu,” was killed in a targeted ambush in Kanja village, Gulumbi Payam. He was travelling by motorbike with two companions who managed to escape. Police said Jamba was singled out and shot dead at around 1:00 PM. No arrests have been made.

The mounting insecurity has deeply affected local trade and humanitarian operations. On 4 July 2025, Access Radio reported that border trade had nearly come to a standstill, with traders and commuters abandoning the Morobo-Yei road.

Mabe Justine, a trader stuck in Morobo town, said he was forced to halt his journey to Yei due to insecurity.

“We have many traders waiting in Koboko,” he explained. “They are afraid to risk their goods on this road. We still call on the government to ensure that the road remains open and safe.”

Another passenger, Edina Fatuma, said the road had become too dangerous for women and civilians.

“Since the killing of Munu, we are now scared. The road is unsafe for people like us who move frequently,” she said.

Calls for government intervention have intensified. David Aloro, a regular commuter, urged leaders to restore peace.

“We need security so we can move freely, trade, and provide services to our communities.”

On 27 July 2025, a senior midwife named Pita Rejoice, working with Morobo Primary Health Care Centre, was abducted by unidentified gunmen while travelling with patients in a humanitarian vehicle belonging to the medicine charity MSF along the same highway. She was released safely after pressure from civil society and humanitarian organisations, but the incident revealed the persistent risks faced by frontline workers.

The broader security situation remains tense. On 30 June 2025, Member of Parliament Remijo Lasu Peter reported that clashes between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces in Yaribe and Lujulo East had triggered new waves of displacement. Over 7,000 people have reportedly fled their homes in Morobo County, becoming internally displaced.

On 18 June 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony in Juba, President Salva Kiir urged the newly appointed Central Equatoria Governor, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, to prioritise security coordination to restore stability. Governor Mujung pledged to cooperate with national forces and reinforce President Kiir’s peace vision.

Residents have appealed for increased road patrols and protection, especially on the Morobo–Kaya–Yei highway, which serves as a major humanitarian and trade link between South Sudan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Major July 2025 Incidents on Morobo Road