Family of Kenyan woman who died in Saudi Arabia seeks Ksh.1.3M for repatriation

According to Agnes M'maitsi, granny to the late Elizabeth Cheusi, the 28-year-old woman left the country two years ago for Saudi Arabia to fend for two children she had left behind.

"It was an elaborate process that involved training in Nairobi before my grandchild in the company of others left the country. We have been in touch but last week I was informed via a phone call that she was no more," Agnes explained.

"I was happy that Cheusi had gotten the opportunity in that she would now help us back at home out of poverty," she added.

The sudden turn of events has plunged the family into despair and confusion as the reality of bringing the remains of the deceased back home remains unclear bearing in mind the costs involved.

"I have never been to Nairobi. I don't know where Saudi Arabia is yet I am informed that I need Ksh.1.3M to repatriate my granddaughter," Agnes said in tears, as she sought help to give her granddaughter a befitting sendoff.

Diana Lugonga, a sister to the deceased says they knew the whereabouts of Elizabeth from social media after the agent who helped her go to Saudi Arabia turned hostile and unconcerned.

"My sister left us with the details of the agent who was taking her to Saudi Arabia but he claimed not to know her when I inquired about her after hearing that she was dead. It was through social media friends who posted the photos of my sister that i confirmed my sister had died," she said adding that some close friends to her sister insisted that the agent who claimed to be unaware was the one who took her to Saudi Arabia. She said that on the second inquiry he brushed her off by saying that at the time of her demise Elizabeth was no longer working under his agency.

Neighbours who gather daily in the village helplessly watching the pain of the family have urged local leaders to bring on board the government to help the family out of this pain.