- The remains of three Kenyans who died in a tragic fire in Sharjah, UAE, arrived in Nairobi on Monday morning.
- The repatriation was handled by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and his Sonko Rescue Team.
- Family, friends, and mourners gathered at JKIA to receive the bodies of the three men.
- Sonko praised the joint effort by Kenyan authorities and the diaspora funeral committee in UAE.
- The tragedy has renewed public concerns over the safety of Kenyans working abroad.
The remains of three Kenyan men who perished in a fire incident in Sharjah, UAE, finally landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the early hours of Monday. The return was made possible through a coordinated effort led by Mike Sonko and his well-known Sonko Rescue Team.
Families Grieve as Bodies Arrive at JKIA
The emotional scene at the airport saw family members, friends, and members of the public turn up to receive the bodies of Ian Ndung’u Mungai, Kennedy Kamau Wangari, and Benjamin Kioko Ndunda. Their deaths, which shocked the Kenyan community in the UAE and back home, were met with sorrow and heartfelt prayers at the arrival point.
Sonko Leads Dignified Send-Off
Former Governor Sonko stood by the grieving families as they received their loved ones. He said the return of the bodies was a joint effort of many people and institutions. “This is a painful moment. I’m grateful to everyone who helped us bring our brothers home with respect,” he said during the emotional reception.
Diplomatic and Community Help Acknowledged
Sonko also took time to thank the Kenyan government, the embassy and consulate in the UAE, Kenya Airways, and the funeral committee led by Timothy and Hon. Jessica Mbalu for their support. He noted that such unity was key in ensuring the dignified return of the deceased men.
Montezuma Receives the First Body
After a short prayer session at the airport, the body of Benjamin Kioko was transported to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home. Plans are already in place to move the bodies to their final resting places in their home counties.
Tragedy Sparks New Conversation
The three men had travelled to the UAE in search of greener pastures, like many other Kenyans working abroad. Their sudden and painful deaths have once again brought attention to the safety and working conditions faced by Kenyan migrant workers in foreign countries.
