Kenyan Woman in Lebanon Pleads for Help After Being Blamed for Shop Robbery

A Kenyan domestic worker employed overseas is appealing for assistance after being implicated in a high-value shop robbery. 

Spenica Ogenja, juggling household duties with retail work, is facing substantial financial demands in a contentious accusation involving theft and restricted freedoms. The case centres around a robbery at the shop where Ogenja worked part-time. Despite claims of compromised surveillance footage, suspicion immediately fell on Ogenja due to her possession of the shop’s key. 

Authorities and employers reportedly accused her of negligence for not reporting the missing key, alleging possible collusion with other staff. Consequently, Ogenja was ordered to repay KSh 1,821,720, an amount her family cannot realistically afford.

According to Ogenja, her employers refused to negotiate with her family back in Kenya. Despite contributing over KSh 207,000 through her earnings and family support, she still faces an outstanding balance exceeding KSh 1.6 million. She alleges that her employer has curtailed her basic freedoms, confining her to the house and limiting communication. Ogenja reports significant mental distress.

Meanwhile, another case involving a Kenyan worker in Lebanon has surfaced. Neema Chemutai, a mother of three from Trans Nzoia, detailed a disturbing incident in which her employer allegedly poisoned her food. Chemutai sought employment abroad to support her family but alleges discovering a deliberate attempt on her life.