A family in Murang'a County is in a predicament as they seek to repatriate the remains of a relative who died while working in Saudi Arabia. The family has been given a deadline of October 15 to settle the repatriation costs, which amount to KSh 500,000. Lucy Wairimu Kamau, a resident of Kiairathe village in Kangema, Murang'a County, said her granddaughter, Alice Njeri Wambui, had travelled to the Gulf state in search of work but unfortunately died there.
Alice Njeri Wambui had been a key breadwinner for her family, particularly for a child in Grade 10 who is currently under the care of Lucy Wairimu Kamau. The child's father had passed away before Wambui's death, leaving Kamau, who is unemployed and has no income of her own, as the child's sole caregiver. The family is struggling to raise the funds needed for repatriation and is appealing for support from the public to help bring Wambui's body back home.
The cause of Wambui's death has not been disclosed, and the date she died was not stated. It is also unclear when she travelled to Saudi Arabia, who she worked for, or which agency, authority or other entity issued the October 15 deadline. The family has not announced a fundraising platform, bank account or contact person for contributions, and has instead appealed to friends, relatives, Kenyans and well-wishers to stand with them during this difficult time.
The situation has left the family in a difficult financial and emotional state. With the deadline looming, they are racing against time to raise the required funds. The community and other Kenyans have been urged to support the family in their hour of need. The repatriation of Wambui's body is not only a financial burden but also an emotional one, as the family grapples with the loss of their loved one.
Lucy Wairimu Kamau expressed her family's desperation and sadness, stating that they are finding it hard to cope with the loss of Alice Njeri Wambui. The family is counting on the generosity of others to help them bring Wambui's body back home for burial. The appeal for funds has been made through various channels, with the family seeking assistance from anyone willing to help.
The plight of the family has highlighted the challenges faced by many Kenyans who travel abroad in search of work, often facing difficult circumstances. The Kenyan government and other organizations have been working to support citizens working abroad, but cases like that of Alice Njeri Wambui show that more needs to be done to protect and assist these workers.
As the deadline for repatriation costs draws near, the family remains hopeful that they will receive the necessary support to bring Alice Njeri Wambui's body back home. The community and well-wishers are urged to support the family in their time of need.
Key points
- The family of Alice Njeri Wambui is seeking KSh 500,000 to repatriate her body from Saudi Arabia.
- The deadline for the repatriation costs is October 15.
- The family is appealing for support from the public to help bring Wambui's body back home.
