A family in Homa Bay county is seeking help to bring back their sick daughter who is stuck in Saudi Arabia.
The family noted that the 39-year-old, Irene Otieno has been stranded in the foreign country since mid 2023.
During an interview with a local media house at their residence in Gogo-Katuma village, Irene’s father, Justus Odira mentioned that they had cautioned their daughter against going back to Saudi Arabia upon learning about her distress.
As stated by her father, the mother of two claimed that she would go to Saudi Arabia one last time then come back home to settle in her matrimonial home.
“This is the third time Irene was going to Saudi Arabia. She’s been going and coming back after two years. This time round we warned her not to go,” narrated Odira.
Justus Odira stated that his daughter travelled to the foreign country for work in 2021.
“My daughter got an opportunity to travel to the Middle East to work as a house help. Before she fell sick, she would complain of being overworked,” shared the dad.
According to her father, it’s been one year since Atieno departed from her home once again, returning to her former employer in Saudi Arabia.
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However, following her departure, she lost contact with her family and was unable to communicate with them thereafter.
On February 7, 2024, Irene’s sibling called the family to inform them that she had been found even though she was sick and admitted in hospital.
Kenyan Lady Poor Health Condition
As per the father’s narration, Atieno is presently being accommodated by another Kenyan woman in Saudi Arabia after departing from her employer’s residence due to her deteriorating health condition.
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The father tried to seek help from the agency that helped her travel to Saudi Arabia but unfortunately the lady who was responsible for that passed on in November 2023 rendering their plea futile.
However, Odira said he was able to locate the deceased agent’s children who made a call to Irene’s former employer.
“But we later thought that the boss might mistreat her. We then got help from one Kenyan woman living in Saudi Arabia who is currently hosting her. The lady also wants my daughter to come back home,” the father continued.
“But we don’t have a means for her comeback. We are seeking help from the government and any other person to help us bring back our daughter.”
Irene’s Mother Ask for Assistance
Also, according to Irene’s mother, Joyce Akoth, she is currently unable to walk and must use a wheelchair to move around.
“My daughter went to Saudi Arabia, Irene is bedridden. She can’t stand, she has no legs, she has no hands,” narrated the mother.
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The family is requesting government assistance to facilitate the return of their daughter to Kenya noting that she left her documents with her employer.
“My daughter’s travel documents have also been withheld by her employer. We appeal for urgent intervention to save the life of my daughter,” said Irene’s mother.
According to the mother, the family has attempted to seek assistance from the Kenyan Embassy in Saudi Arabia but have been unsuccessful.
