Kenyan Woman Jacinta Muinde Dies Unexpectedly in Saudi Arabia

A family in Mkongani, Kilifi County, is seeking help to repatriate the body of Jacinta Mueni Muinde, a Kenyan migrant worker who died in Saudi Arabia on 12 November.

Muinde reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest while at work. She had lived in Saudi Arabia since 2011 and spent 14 years supporting her family through her earnings. 

Relatives describe her as a dependable provider whose death has left them facing both grief and significant financial challenges in arranging her return home.

News of her death has circulated widely on social media, where Kenyans have shared condolences and expressed solidarity with the family. 

Muinde’s case follows other recent incidents involving Kenyan workers in the Gulf, including the death of Annette Kang’endo from Embu, who died in Riyadh after falling ill while working at a manpower agency. Such cases have renewed focus on reports of mistreatment, limited medical support and the repeated difficulties families encounter when trying to repatriate loved ones.

The Kenyan government has taken steps to improve assistance for citizens in the region, including the recent opening of a consulate in Jeddah, which is intended to strengthen diplomatic support and ease access to services. However, advocacy groups continue to call for stronger protections, including closer monitoring of employers and more active consular engagement in emergency cases.