A family in Kisii County is in distress following the mysterious death of their 24-year-old daughter, Emily Nyamoita Nyabuto, who had travelled to Lebanon in 2023 in search of better opportunities.
Emily, a resident of Riosugo village in Bobasi constituency, left Kenya with high hopes of supporting her family financially. However, her dreams were tragically cut short after she reportedly died under unclear circumstances a month ago.
Despite receiving an official letter from Beirut’s immigration authorities confirming her death, the family has not seen her body and is now appealing to the government for help in repatriating her remains.
Also Read
Grief and uncertainty now fill the Nyabuto homestead.
“Emily had planned to return home. I even spoke to her on the 14th of June,” said her mother, Janes Mokeira. “It was her friend who later called us to say she had died. Even her sister is in critical condition in hospital.”
Emily’s sudden death occurred just days after she allegedly parted ways with the agent who had facilitated her travel and employment in Lebanon. The family says no clear explanation has been given regarding what led to her demise.
“We just want to see the body of our daughter. I need to be sure and get closure,” pleaded Mokeira.
According to her aunt, Catherine Kerubo, Emily was the only breadwinner in the family. “She was everything to us. She sacrificed to go and work there, hoping to help us, but now we’re in shock.”
The cost of repatriating Emily’s body has become another source of anguish for the family. They say they cannot raise the required funds, even with community support.
“This is a heavy blow,” said her uncle, Paul Ogise. “Even if we try to fundraise, we still can’t raise enough for the mortuary bill, let alone transport.”
The family is now appealing to the Kenyan government and leaders from Kisii County to intervene urgently and assist in bringing Emily’s body back home for burial in line with Abagusii customs.
Her story adds to a growing number of cases involving Kenyan migrant workers dying abroad under mysterious circumstances, renewing calls for stronger oversight and protection of citizens seeking jobs overseas.