KISII, Kenya – A family from Bogeka village in Kitutu Chache, Kisii County, is appealing to the government and well-wishers to help repatriate the body of their daughter, which has remained in Iraq for more than a month after her death while working as a domestic worker.
According to the family, Felister Kemunto, 32, the firstborn in the household, travelled to Iraq in search of better opportunities to support her family.
She was expected to return home in early November, but died suddenly after reportedly falling ill.
Kemunto’s mother, Rachael Kennedy, said her daughter had informed her that her employer had asked her to extend her stay by another year, delaying her planned return.
“My child was supposed to come back home on November 2. When I called her, she told me her boss had asked her to add another year. The following day she could not speak, she fell ill suddenly, and shortly after, she passed away,” Rachael said.
What began as a brief period of mourning has now stretched into more than a month of uncertainty.
A mourning tent erected at the family homestead was meant to stand for only a few days but remains in place as neighbours continue to show compassion while the family waits for a breakthrough.
Financial Strain and Fear of Burial Abroad
The family says fundraising efforts have so far raised only Sh50,000, far short of the amount required to bring Kemunto’s body home. A small contribution book remains their main source of hope, but the family fears time is running out.
Kemunto’s father, Kennedy Kaunda Nyangweso, said they have been warned that the body could be buried or cremated in Iraq if the required funds are not secured within the coming month.
“Our biggest worry is that we have been told the body may be buried or cremated in Iraq if we fail to raise the money within the next month,” he said.
Rachael added that she has unsuccessfully sought help from various government offices and is now appealing to Kenyans and authorities to intervene.
“I am asking Kenyans and the government to help us. I have tried reaching different government offices without success. Please help me so that I can bury my child,” she said.
The family says that if the situation does not change, it could take more than two years to raise the required amount—time they say they do not have. For now, Kemunto’s personal belongings are all that remain of the dream that took her thousands of kilometres away from home.
While the family’s hopes of escaping poverty have dimmed, they say their desire to lay their daughter to rest in accordance with Abagusii customs remains firm.
