A Kenyan family is in deep agony after their 24-year-old daughter, Emily Nyamoita Nyabuto, who had travelled to Lebanon in search of greener pastures, died under unclear circumstances a month ago.
The family from Riosugo village in Kisii said they have not received their kin’s body despite receiving an official letter from immigration authorities in Beirut confirming her death.
They narrated how Nyabuto left Kenya in 2023 for Lebanon, hopeful that the opportunity would help lift her family out of poverty.
However, things took a drastic turn in June 2025 when they received the devastating news of her sudden death, which left them with more questions than answers.
Emily’s mother, Janes Mokeira, said everything appeared to be going well until June, when she was expected to return home.
Last Phone Call
Mokeira said she last talked to her daughter on June 14, before receiving a phone call from her friend informing them that Emily had passed away suddenly, just days after leaving the agent who had recruited her for work in Lebanon.
“This girl had planned to return. I even spoke to her on the 14th, and a friend who knew her called us to say she has passed away, and even her sister is in critical condition in the hospital,” Mokeira said.
Also Read: Govt Gives Direction on 26,000 Kenyans Stranded in Lebanon
The family has requested that the government intervene and help repatriate her remains
Mokeira said the family is yet to see Nyabuto’s body a month after her reported death.
“I just want to see my child’s body so I can find closure. I’m in pain because she is far away and we have no means,” Mokeira added.
Why Nyabuto Went to Lebanon
Emily’s aunt, Catherine Kerubo, described her as the sole breadwinner in the household.
“Emily was the main source of support for this family. Her death has shocked us because she went there to help her family,” Kerubo said.
Also Read: Why Kenya Banned Its Citizens from Working in Lebanon
Burial Expenses Burden
Emily’s uncle, Paul Ogise, said the family’s heaviest burden is the cost of repatriating her body from Beirut.
Ogise said the expense is far beyond their means, and they cannot even afford the mortuary bills.
“This is a heavy blow to us. Even raising the mortuary bill is beyond us — no matter how many fundraisers we hold, we won’t manage,” Ogise said.
The family has also pleaded with local leaders from Kisii County to intervene and help bring Nyabutor’s body home, so she can be laid to rest in accordance with Abagusii culture and tradition.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
