Family of a Kenyan Woman Who Died in Malaysia Refutes Drug Trafficking Claims

The family of Kenyan woman Brenda Akinyi Ochola has disputed claims that she was killed in Malaysia over her involvement in drug trafficking.

Through a statement, the family said Akinyi fell ill on April 15th and was admitted to a hospital in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur where she passed away while undergoing treatment on April 25th.

“On behalf of the Ochola family, we would like to address the untruthful rumors circulating about my sister Brenda Akinyi Ochola. Brenda fell ill and was admitted to Hospital Kuala Lumpur and she passed away on April 25, 2023,” the family said.

The family also refuted reports that the deceased had been placed on a life support machine and was in a coma.

They clarified that Akinyi suffered multiple organ failure as a result of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy brought on by Mycoplasma Pneumonia Septicemia.

“During this difficult time, we respectfully ask for privacy as we grieve our loss and request that you keep our family in your prayers,” they added.

News about Akinyi’s passing first emerged on social media this week, with some reports claiming that she died while trafficking drugs.

The reports alleged that the deceased was intercepted at one of the airports in Malaysia and her stomach burst as she had swallowed narcotic drugs believed to be cocaine.