NAIROBI, Kenya — A Kenyan family from Kitale is appealing for urgent public assistance after their daughter, Edna Mmbali Ombakho, went missing in the United Kingdom under circumstances that remain unclear, more than a week after she was last seen.
Edna, a 30-year-old Master’s student, was last seen on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Wraysbury, Berkshire, and has not been heard from since, raising growing fears about her safety.
Human rights organisation HAKI Africa confirmed on Saturday that it had received a distress call from Edna’s family, who say her sudden disappearance is highly unusual given her consistent communication habits.
“HAKI Africa has received a call from the family of Edna Mmbali Ombakho, who has been reported missing. We appeal to anyone who may have seen Edna or has any information that could assist in locating her to come forward immediately,” the organisation said in a statement.
Family raises alarm
According to relatives, Edna is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, soft-spoken, and has travelled to the UK to further her studies. She had been residing in Wraysbury at the time of her disappearance.
Family members say they became alarmed when all attempts to reach her failed, describing the silence as out of character.
“We are deeply concerned for her safety and are asking anyone who may have seen or heard from her to please come forward,” the family said in an emotional appeal.
The matter has since been reported to UK authorities, and police investigations are ongoing to establish her whereabouts. Members of the public in the United Kingdom with relevant information have been urged to contact the police immediately on 999, quoting Investigation Number: 43260053275.
For those in Kenya, the family has provided contact details for information that could help trace her. Dr George Ombakho can be reached on +254 722 779 307, while Jesse Ombakho is available on +254 741 762 057.
Rights groups and public appeal
HAKI Africa said every lead, no matter how minor it may appear, could prove critical in locating Edna and reuniting her with her family.
Human rights defenders note that missing-person cases involving migrants and international students often require swift cross-border coordination between families, civil society, and law enforcement agencies to avoid delays that could compromise investigations.
The organisation urged the public to share the appeal widely across social media and community networks in the UK and Kenya.
In January 2026, a Kenyan man, Kepha Otieno, was found dead in Reading, later identified as homeless. In the same month, a Kenyan-born bank executive, Marianne Kilonzi, was found deceased in her London flat, with investigations still ongoing.
Diaspora welfare advocates have repeatedly called for stronger consular support mechanisms and better tracking systems for Kenyan nationals abroad, particularly students and vulnerable migrants.
Under Kenya’s Constitution, the State bears an obligation to protect the rights and welfare of its citizens, including those living abroad, through diplomatic and consular assistance.
As days pass with no word from Edna, her family says they remain hopeful, urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring her home safely.
