Family Appeals for Help Following Son's Death in Russian Pool

20-year-old Kenyan student Enock Odhiambo studying in Moscow on a scholarship on July 5 lost his life in a drowning incident.

The young man had secured a government-funded scholarship to study International Relations. He was set to begin his classes in September 2023 but his family requested an extension for him to study the local language before relocating. However, fate intervened on July 5 when Enock, a novice swimmer more accustomed to basketball, went swimming with friends he had made in Moscow. The outing took a disastrous turn when Enock ventured into the deep end of the pool. Despite his friends' attempts to save him after hearing his cries for help, Enock's body remained submerged for six hours before it was recovered.

The news of Enock's untimely death has left his family devastated and facing the challenging task of repatriating his remains to Kenya. In response to their plea for assistance, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu has promptly acknowledged the situation, stating, "We're on it," and expressing condolences to the family. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has committed to engaging with Russian counterparts, though specific details of the assistance have not been disclosed.

Enock's family has launched a public appeal to raise Sh 1 million for the repatriation of his body. Their heartfelt wish is to lay him to rest among family and loved ones in Kenya. Those wishing to contribute can do so through paybill 247247, Account number 0730182390475. This tragic incident highlights the broader challenges faced by Kenyans abroad. Some find themselves in dire situations, abandoned in foreign countries and appealing for help.

A notable example is Stephen Munyakho who faces execution in Saudi Arabia and whose family must raise a substantial sum as blood money following a court ruling on his involvement in a murder case. Recognizing these challenges, the Kenyan government has outlined measures in the Diaspora Policy 2024 to protect, engage, and empower its citizens living abroad. Key priorities include facilitating overseas employment, fostering economic advancement, and promoting skills development.