In a heartbreaking turn of events, two families from Mombasa and Kisii’s Bomachoge Chache are grappling with the tragic loss of loved ones who died under unclear circumstances abroad. Their stories highlight the numerous challenges faced by Kenyans seeking better opportunities overseas, often leading to unforeseen and grim outcomes.

The Tragic Case of Agnes Nzai

In Mombasa, the family of Agnes Nzai is still in mourning. This sister and wife was reported to have been brutally beaten by her Kenyan colleagues in Lebanon, a situation that has left her family paralyzed with grief. Agnes moved to Lebanon in search of a better life in 2021, only for her dreams to be abruptly cut short by a phone call on November 24, 2022. “That date, we received a call that she had been beaten and was seriously injured,” recounted Mishi Emmanuel, Agnes’ sister. Two months later, her body remains in Lebanon, and the family’s attempts to repatriate her remain futile. Adam Ngala, Agnes’s husband, expressed deep frustration, stating, “We have tried every avenue to bring her home, but there’s been no assistance.”

They are now appealing to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for urgent help. “The biggest challenge in Lebanon is the lack of an embassy; we’ve been told to go to Kuwait. We are exhausted from searching for solutions,” Mishi added. Alongside their plea for support, the family insists on justice for Agnes, hoping that her tragic death will not be in vain.

The Heartbreaking Journey of Fraser Ogachi

In Bomachoge Chache, Kisii County, another family confronts a similar nightmare. Samuel Ontiri’s household has become a place of sorrow, with villagers gathering for over two weeks following the passing of his youngest son, Fraser Ogachi. Fraser moved to Dubai in hopes of improving his family’s financial situation but succumbed to a short illness. Now, his family is left crushed, their dreams shattered.

What complicates matters is that Fraser’s body is currently detained in Dubai, pending the settlement of a hefty medical bill amounting to Ksh. 1.7 million. Despite the community’s efforts to support the family, they have only managed to raise Ksh. 20,000, leading to feelings of despair. Samuel Ontiri shared the painful reality, stating, “My son is stuck in Dubai, and we have nothing.” His wife, Florence, echoed this sentiment: “We are only pleading for the government to assist us in bringing our son home.”

The Power of Hope Amidst Despair

The struggles of these families shed light on the often-harrowing experiences faced by Kenyans abroad. Each day at the Ontiri home, an exercise book tracks the small contributions made by well-wishers, embodying the community’s hope for a miracle in bringing Fraser home. For both families, hope is dwindling but remains their only solace.

As they navigate through their grief and hardships, the longing for a proper burial and closure hangs heavy. Their stories call upon society to reflect on the importance of safer migration practices, awareness, and the need for robust support systems for Kenyans seeking employment abroad. In the end, they seek nothing more than to lay their loved ones to rest, surrounded by family and the comforts of home.