Elizabeth Cheusi
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A family in Shamakhokho ward is appealing for financial assistance to repatriate the body of their daughter, Elizabeth Cheusi, 28, who died in Saudi Arabia last week.
The family requires Sh. 1.3 million to bring Cheusi's remains home for burial. Cheusi had been working in Saudi Arabia for two years, seeking to provide better opportunities for her children. Agnes M’maitsi, Cheusi’s grandmother, describes the arduous process Cheusi underwent to secure employment abroad. She mentions that the family maintained contact with Cheusi until receiving news of her death.
"It was a long journey before she finally left, and we remained in touch. But last week, I got a call informing me that she was no more," Agnes recounts, struggling to hold back tears.
Diana Lugonga, Cheusi’s sister, expresses frustration with the recruitment agent who facilitated Cheusi's move. Despite providing the agent’s contact information before her departure, Lugonga says the agent denied knowing Cheusi when contacted after her death. Lugonga confirmed Cheusi's death through social media after friends insisted that the same agent had arranged her travel.
"When my sister left, she gave us the contact details of the agent, but when I reached out after hearing of her death, he claimed not to know her. It was only through social media that I confirmed she had indeed passed away. It was a long journey before she finally left, and we remained in touch. But last week, I got a call informing me that she was no more," she says.
The agent dismisses the family's plea for assistance, claiming Cheusi was no longer under his agency's care at the time of her death. Neighbours are urging local leaders and the government to intervene and assist the family in bringing Elizabeth Cheusi's body home. The situation highlights the vulnerabilities faced by Kenyan workers abroad and underscores the need for stronger protective measures and support systems for those seeking employment overseas.