Delphina Wambui Ngigi, a widowed mother of four, recently died in Canada under tragic circumstances.
Her close friend shares the challenges she faced before and after her immigration journey. Wambui relocated to Canada in February 2024 seeking a better life for her children. Following the loss of her job, she secured a visa and prepared for the harsh Canadian climate. However, her initial attempt at travel was thwarted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport due to travel restrictions. Undeterred, she persevered through two rejections before finally arriving in Canada on February 18th.
Upon arrival, Wambui planned to stay at a shelter home, but due to her friend’s unavailability, their initial meeting took place at the friend’s house. The next day, they proceeded to the shelter, where Wambui along with two others was asked to wait outside due to capacity constraints. Wambui perceived the lengthy wait positively. Throughout her short stay at the shelter, Wambui maintained regular contact with her friends and children. Their last conversation had the friend advising Wambui to request a place to freshen up at the shelter.
Tragically, news of Wambui’s passing soon followed. Deeply affected, her family shared the news, highlighting the devastating impact on her children. A fundraising campaign has been initiated to cover the cost of repatriating her body to Kenya, with Sh595,300 already raised. On Saturday, a sombre gathering took place at Dominion Church in North York, Canada, as members of the community came together to express their sorrow for the tragic passing of Delphina Ngigi.
While unable to attend the vigil due to visa restrictions, Ngigi’s sister found solace in the outpouring of support. According to the Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre, Ngigi’s arrival in Canada was marked by an unfortunate turn of events. Upon reaching the Mississauga shelter on Dundas Street on February 17, she was subjected to an extended wait in the cold before being granted entry into the shelter’s lobby only hours later. The following day, while taking a shower, Ngigi tragically collapsed. Though rushed to the hospital and initially conscious, she passed away shortly after 4:30 p.m. The circumstances surrounding her passing remain under investigation.
