Appeal for help to bring girl’s body from Lebanon

A Mombasa family has asked the government to help it recover the body of a relative who died in Lebanon.

Mrs Margaret Olwande said her niece, Ms Rose Adhiambo Odhiambo, went to Lebanon to work as a househelp last year.

She said the family expected her back home on Tuesday last week, the day they received news that she had died.

“My niece had earlier told me her boss was against her return. That is why we suspect foul play,” said Mrs Olwande.

The aunt said initial reports indicate that Rose fell from a building at her boss’ house.

“A month after she told her boss of her intention to return home, her travelling documents were confiscated but after pleading with her, she got her passport back,” said Mrs Olwande.

The family said they had contacted Rose’s boss and been referred to three mortuaries in Lebanon but could not trace the body.

“A day after we received the news, her employer, Fahab bin Asil, said they planned to send the body to us in three days, but we have lost contact,” said Mrs Olwande.

Rose’s agent Ali Muhammad confirmed the death but could not say how she died. Mr Muhammad said bringing the body to Kenya was delayed because of the holy month of Ramadhan.