Embu Family Races Against Time to Bring Daughter's Body Home From Saudi Arabia

A family in Embu County is appealing for urgent help to repatriate the body of 31-year-old Frida Kageni from Saudi Arabia before a deadline set by the authorities on 21 July.

Kageni died on 7 July while receiving treatment for meningitis at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. Her husband, Samuel Murage, said the family had been told that if her body is not returned to Kenya by 21 July, she will be buried in Saudi Arabia.

"We have less than two weeks to bring her body back home, and that is why we are appealing to well-wishers to come through for us before it is too late," Murage said.

The family, from Njukiri Village in Manyatta Constituency, has been unable to begin the repatriation process because of the high cost of transporting her remains and meeting other related expenses. Kageni had worked as a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia for seven years and was the family's main source of income. 

She paid for the education of her four siblings and supported her nine-year-old daughter. Her mother, Christine Irunda, described her as the family's pillar, saying her earnings abroad had sustained them for years.

The family's financial difficulties have worsened following Kageni's death. Murage recently suffered a broken leg and is unable to work, leaving the household without a steady income. They are appealing to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and members of the public to help them raise the funds needed to bring her body home.

The case highlights the difficulties many Kenyan families face when relatives die while working abroad. Repatriation costs can be beyond the reach of affected families, prompting renewed calls for greater government support.

The issue has become more prominent in recent months amid wider debate over the welfare of Kenyan migrant workers and concerns about labour exploitation. It has also gained attention following controversy over the alleged recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian military, raising questions about the protection of citizens working overseas.

As Kenya continues to strengthen diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, including President William Ruto's visit to Riyadh last November where he met Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Kageni's family hopes they will receive the support needed to return her remains to Kenya for burial.