Machakos Long-Distance Driver Reunites with Family After 150 Days in Captivity in DRC
Machakos woman Florence Wanza Munyao who had been kidnapped recounts the experience (l). Munyao consoles relative after emotional reunion (r). Photo: KBC Channel 1. Source: Youtube
Machakos Truck Driver Abducted in DRC Reunites with Family After 150 Days in Captivity
A long-distance truck driver from Machakos, Florence Wanza Munyao, has finally reunited with her family after enduring 150 days in captivity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The 45-year-old, affectionately known as “Queen,” was warmly welcomed back by her emotional loved ones at Itunduimuni village, Machakos County. Tears flowed as family members embraced her, celebrating her safe return after months of uncertainty.
Munyao’s Ordeal in Captivity
Munyao, a mother of two with over 20 years of experience in long-distance trucking, was abducted while transporting petrol from Eldoret to Kiwanja township in the DRC. The harrowing incident occurred on August 27, 2024, when her truck broke down approximately 20 kilometers from her destination.
She was reportedly seized by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a notorious Rwandan rebel group operating in the region. According to Munyao, the attackers accused her of delivering fuel to a rival military faction.
“They called me and asked if I was the truck owner. As I approached, one of them suddenly attacked me with kicks and blows, striking me with the back of a gun,” she recalled. “They then took me to their military base.”
Gratitude for Rescue Efforts
Munyao expressed immense relief and gratitude for her safe return, thanking her family, friends, fellow truck drivers, and the Kenyan government for their relentless efforts to secure her release.
“I feel great to be home because I was in a terrible place. I thank God and everyone who played a role in my rescue—the government of Kenya, my people at home, my friends, and the drivers who pushed for my freedom. Your prayers worked,” she said.
Efforts to rescue Munyao began just a week after her abduction, with her family working closely with Kenyan authorities to secure her release. Now safely home, she looks forward to rebuilding her life after the traumatic experience.
Who Sheltered Munyao in Congo After Her Kidnapping?
Munyao’s abduction left her family devastated, as she was not only the primary provider for her immediate household but also a crucial pillar of support for her extended family.
During her captivity, she remained persistent, constantly questioning the militia about her release. “Every week and month, I kept asking when I would be freed, never losing hope. Finally, in the fifth month, they told me to prepare myself—we were leaving. What followed was a grueling 10-day journey on foot, walking from morning till evening,” she recounted.
A Congolese employer who sheltered Munyao in Goma confirmed that Kenyan authorities played a key role in securing her freedom. She was eventually evacuated through the Rwanda border on Thursday, January 30, marking the long-awaited moment she would reunite with her family.