Families seek help to repatriate bodies of kin who died in Lebanon & Dubai

Hundreds of kilometres away in Kisii, the family of Fraser Ogachi has hit a dead end in their efforts to repatriate the body of their son from Dubai.

A sombre mood has engulfed Pendua Biggy Home village in Shanzu, Mombasa County.

Here, emotions run raw.

This is the family of Agnes Nzai, a woman who left home in search of a better life, only for her journey abroad to end in tragedy.

They say Agnes was allegedly killed by her Kenyan colleagues following a confrontation in Lebanon.

Agnes left Mombasa in 2021 for a job in Lebanon. But on November 24 last year, a phone call shattered the family’s world.

"Hiyo tarehe tulipata simu kwamba amevamiwa na wenzake na kuumia kichwa, nilituma majina yake kamili sababu alikuwa kemboi sababu hakuweza kuzungumza," said Mishi Emmanuel, Agnes’ sister.

Two months later, Agnes’ body is still in Lebanon, with the family saying all their efforts to have it brought home have borne no fruit.

"Tumejaribu jinsi mwili unaweza fika nyumbani lakini hatujapata msaada kabisa," said Adam Ngala, Husband to Agnes.

The family is now appealing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene and help them bring their daughter home.

"Shida kubwa kule Lebanon hatuna embassy tunaambiwa tuelekee mpaka Kuwait, tumehangaika sana," Mishi noted. 

As they seek help, they are also demanding justice for Agnes.

Hundreds of kilometres away in Bomachoge Chache, Kisii County, another family is walking a similar journey.

Villagers have camped at Samuel Ontiri’s homestead for more than two weeks, following the death of his lastborn son, Fraser Ogachi.

Ogachi left home to eke a living in Dubai but died after a short illness.

His family says their hopes that he would change their fortunes have been shattered.

His body remains detained in Dubai due to a bill of Ksh.1.7 million which must be cleared before repatriation.

So far, despite the entire village rallying to help, only Ksh.20,000 has been raised, with fatigue setting in.

"Mtoto wangu amekwama Dubai, na hatuna chochote," said Samuel Ontiri, Ogachi’s Father.

"Tunaomba tu serikali itusaidie," said Florence Ontiri, Ogachi’s Mother.

An exercise book here tells the story of their daily struggle, recording small contributions made in the hope of a miracle.

For these two families, hope is all they have left, hope that one day they will finally bring their loved ones home for a decent burial.