Kenyan Diaspora Mourns Two Deaths in the US and Australia

Two members of the Kenyan diaspora have died in separate incidents in the United States and Australia, prompting mourning in communities in Minnesota and Perth.

Fred Ojienda Gondi, 33, was found dead in his apartment in Burnsville, Minnesota, after family in Kenya reported being unable to contact him. Local authorities conducted a welfare check and discovered his body. The cause of death has not yet been determined, pending official investigation. 

Gondi is survived by his wife, Sylvia Gondi and their 18-month-old son, Lloyd, both of whom live in Kenya. The announcement of his death on 14 October has deeply affected Minnesota’s Kenyan community, which numbers around 20,000. Plans are underway to repatriate his body for burial in Kenya.

Community members have expressed concern over recurring cases where Kenyans living alone abroad are found deceased days after passing. Contributing factors cited include social isolation, demanding work schedules and limited access to mental health support.

In Perth, Western Australia, Collins Opuko, a Kenyan student and footballer, died in a road accident on Indian Ocean Drive, approximately 320 kilometres north of the city. His vehicle collided head-on with another car and caught fire. 

The stretch of road where the crash occurred is known for frequent accidents, with another fatal collision reported just 100 metres away the following evening. Opuko had travelled to his college’s main campus to finalise academic matters before the accident. 

He was also a member of a local football club, where he was remembered for his dedication and positive spirit. A memorial service was held on 10 October at Whitfords Catholic Church, attended by friends, fellow students, and members of the Kenyan community. His remains are also set to be repatriated to Kenya.