Family Finally Finds Closure as Kenyan Woman Who Died in Saudi Arabia Is Laid To Rest In Emotional Send-off at Home

After more than one and a half years of pain, waiting, and unanswered questions, the family of Jane Omondi has finally laid her to rest at her rural home in Kaloleni, Kilifi County.

Jane, a Kenyan woman who died while working in Saudi Arabia in 2024, was buried on Saturday, January 24, 2026, bringing a long and painful chapter to a close for her loved ones.

Jane’s death had plunged her family into distress, not only because of the loss itself, but also due to the circumstances surrounding it. 

Unknown to her relatives back home, she was buried in Saudi Arabia shortly after her death. 

The family only learned later that her body had already been laid to rest abroad, denying them the chance to mourn or perform traditional burial rites.

What followed was a long struggle marked by financial strain, emotional exhaustion, and endless efforts to bring her remains back to Kenya. 

With the help of well-wishers and human rights advocates, Jane’s body was eventually exhumed and repatriated, allowing her family to give her a dignified burial at home.

Speaking during the burial ceremony, Jane’s husband, Samuel Gumbau, recounted the difficult journey his family endured. 

He described moving from office to office in search of help, selling personal belongings, and spending large sums of money in the hope of seeing his wife again, even if it was only to lay her to rest properly.

Jane’s father, Charles Bibo, also spoke emotionally about the hardship the family faced. He said there were moments when they felt completely helpless and close to giving up, as their efforts seemed to lead nowhere. 

According to him, the family never imagined that burying their daughter would turn into such a long and painful ordeal.

The situation was made worse by the disappearance of the recruitment agent who had arranged Jane’s travel to Saudi Arabia. 

According to human rights advocates, the agent abandoned the family after Jane left the country, leaving them without information or support when tragedy struck.

Human rights activist Alex Manzo said Jane’s case reflects a wider crisis affecting many Kenyan families. 

He noted that fake recruitment agents continue to lure job seekers with promises of well-paying opportunities abroad, only to vanish once the workers leave the country. As a result, families are left stranded when things go wrong.

Manzo warned that cases of abandonment have increased, especially among Kenyans working in Middle Eastern countries. 

In many situations, workers face harsh conditions, mistreatment, or even death, while their families back home struggle to get assistance.

Jane’s burial comes amid growing calls for government intervention. At least five other Kenyan families are currently seeking help to repatriate the bodies of relatives who died and were buried in Saudi Arabia. 

Human rights groups are urging authorities to strengthen laws regulating overseas employment and crack down on illegal recruitment networks.

The government has repeatedly warned Kenyans about the dangers of unverified job offers abroad. In November 2025, Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed that criminal networks are increasingly targeting Kenyans with fake job advertisements. 

Some victims are forced into dangerous or illegal work, including handling toxic chemicals, participating in online scams, or operating in conflict zones.

Mudavadi cautioned that such activities pose serious risks, not only to individuals but also to national and global security. 

He emphasized the need for vigilance and cooperation between government agencies to protect citizens.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has also advised Kenyans seeking work abroad to use only licensed recruitment agencies. 

He has urged job seekers to insist on written contracts, verify employers, avoid travelling on tourist visas for employment, and refuse to pay large fees upfront.