A family in Nyamondo village, South Mugirango, Kisii County, is appealing to the government to help establish the whereabouts of their son, Matiabe Onchari, who they have been informed was killed while fighting on the front lines in Russia. Onchari, a father of four, had left home in search of employment in Qatar but reportedly ended up being recruited into the Russian military. His family says they received information that he died in February, although his body has not been found.
Onchari had left the village alongside a friend, hopeful of securing a better future after reportedly landing driving jobs in Qatar. What was meant to be a life-changing opportunity has instead plunged his family into anguish and uncertainty. His wife, Beatrice Nyanchama, recounted how Onchari had left, saying he was going to Qatar, but ended up in Russia.
Days after arriving in Russia, Onchari began sending photographs to his family showing himself and others in military attire, reportedly working as frontline soldiers. However, communication would later go silent, leaving his family desperately searching for answers. Nyanchama stated that they lost contact with Onchari in February and only recently learned that he had been killed, but the circumstances surrounding his death and the whereabouts of his body remain unknown.
While the family has been informed that Onchari was killed in February, they are still seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding his reported death and the whereabouts of his body. His parents remain hopeful that he could still be alive. His mother, Rosia Bosori, expressed her distress, saying, "Mimi naskia vibaya sana.... mtoto wangu anapotea Russia. Naomba Rais atusaidie kama bado ako huko."
Onchari's father, David Minyonga, and his uncle, John Omanwa, have appealed to the government to help trace his remains and facilitate their repatriation for a decent burial in accordance with Abagusii cultural traditions. They hope that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be able to provide them with more information about what really transpired before the disappearance of their kin.
The family is seeking assistance from the government, particularly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to help them get answers about Onchari's death and to facilitate the repatriation of his remains. The situation has left the family with more questions than answers, and they are eagerly awaiting any information that may help them bring closure to this difficult situation.
The incident has highlighted the risks that Kenyan citizens may face when seeking employment abroad, and the need for the government to provide support and protection to its citizens working or traveling overseas. The family's story is a poignant reminder of the challenges and uncertainties that many families face when their loved ones go abroad in search of better opportunities.
Key points
- The family of Matiabe Onchari is seeking government assistance to establish the circumstances surrounding his reported death in Russia and to facilitate the repatriation of his remains.
- Onchari, a 38-year-old father of four, had left Kenya for Qatar but ended up being recruited into the Russian military, and his family only recently learned of his death in February.
- The incident highlights the risks faced by Kenyan citizens seeking employment abroad and the need for government support and protection for citizens working or traveling overseas.
