Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko led a sombre procession at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) early Monday morning, as the body of one of the three Kenyan men who perished in a fire tragedy in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, was repatriated.
The body of the late Benjamin Kioko Ndunda was the first to arrive and was immediately escorted to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home following brief prayers at the airport.
The deceased – Ian Ndung’u Mungai, Kennedy Kamau Wangari, and Kioko– tragically lost their lives in a residential blaze that occurred in Sharjah several days ago, leaving families and the Kenyan diaspora community in mourning.
Of the remaining bodies, one is expected to arrive in the country on Tuesday, and the remaining one will arrive on Wednesday.
“Kioko will be laid to rest on Friday, the 9th of this month. May the Lord continue resting the souls of our departed brothers in peace," Sonko said.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Sonko also lauded the collaborative efforts that enabled the safe return of the bodies.
He thanked the Government of Kenya, particularly Principal
Secretary for Aviation Terry Mbaika, Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka, the
Kenyan Embassy and Consulate in the UAE, and the funeral committee in Sharjah
led by Timothy and Hon. Jessica Mbalu, MP for Kibwezi East for helping during
the repatriation exercise.
“This was a true display of unity, compassion, and commitment to our fellow Kenyans,” Sonko noted.
The three young men had been working in the UAE and were
part of the large Kenyan diaspora seeking better opportunities abroad.
Their untimely deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief
and a renewed call for improved welfare and safety measures for Kenyans working
overseas.
The bodies will be transported to their respective hometowns
for final rites, as family members prepare to lay their loved ones to rest.
