Ruto Allies Step Up Efforts to Undermine Gachagua’s Influence in Mt Kenya

A family in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, is seeking government assistance to repatriate the body of their son, Mohamed Ali Abdi, who died in Cambodia in October 2025 under unclear circumstances.

More than five months after learning of his death, the family says it still lacks clear information about what happened and faces significant financial barriers to bringing his body home. Abdi reportedly went missing for a day before his death was confirmed at a facility in Pagoda, near the Thailand–Cambodia border. His mother, Halima Abdi, said the family had not known he had travelled to Cambodia until they were informed of his death.

Uncertainty has been compounded by conflicting information about the handling of his remains. The family was initially told that he had been cremated and held a ceremony in Kenya while awaiting the ashes. However, neighbours later relayed claims that the body had not been cremated and that repatriation was only delayed by the cost involved.

In January 2026, the family received an email said to be from the Kenyan Embassy indicating that KSh 1.5 million would be required to return the body. The amount is beyond the family’s means, prompting an appeal for government intervention.

Relatives have called on President William Ruto and relevant authorities to assist in bringing Abdi’s body back to Kenya for burial. A family member said they are seeking closure after months of uncertainty and distress.

Reports of similar incidents have raised questions about the protection and oversight of migrant workers. In a separate case, a family in Kakamega is appealing for financial support for their Grade Seven son, who requires surgery following complications from a circumcision procedure carried out in 2023. 

The boy has been unable to attend school due to a worsening condition and needs KSh 80,000 for treatment at Kakamega General Hospital. The family says existing health coverage meets only part of the cost.