A family in Kitengela is in distress following the disappearance of their relative, Maurine Omari Omulama, who has been working in Saudi Arabia.
The situation has raised serious concerns for her safety after a troubling exchange with her employer just before she was set to return home. In a WhatsApp voice call, Maurine’s brother Sylvester Omulama recounts his sister’s alarming situation. He reports that her employer had destroyed her belongings, including her clothes and passport, and severely disrupted her communication by breaking her phone.
“We have no idea if she’s safe or even alive. We are extremely worried,” Sylvester expresses.
Maurine, who relocated to Saudi Arabia in 2019 in pursuit of better employment opportunities, had not previously reported any incidents of extreme mistreatment. However, she had indicated experiencing harsh working conditions, including being overworked. The latest incident occurred just as she was preparing for her return trip to Kenya, which may have sparked a confrontation with her employer.
“This seems to have happened because her boss didn’t want to let her go,” Sylvester notes.
Sylvester is currently caring for his two children, alongside his nephew and niece, and he emphasizes the difficulties they face without Maurine’s financial support. Those wishing to assist the family can contact Sylvester at 0110242451. In a related development, the family of Martha Wanjiru, another Kenyan worker in Saudi Arabia, is mourning her death under mysterious circumstances.
Martha, who had moved to Saudi Arabia for work in July 2024, died just months after her arrival, leaving her family devastated and grappling with conflicting reports regarding her demise. The family has called on the Kenyan Embassy to expedite the release of her body, expressing frustration over delays in the process.
Denha Ventures, the agency that facilitated her migration, has stated they are actively engaged with the government to seek a resolution. The situations of Maurine Omari Omulama and Martha Wanjiru highlight the challenges faced by many Kenyans working abroad.
They will still go to the…
They will still go to the land of sand and minarets no matter reports of pseudo-slavery.
We have lost so many lives…
We have lost so many lives of our people in the hands of these “slave masters”. The problem is not with the employers, it rests squarely on the government that regulates the agencies and never raise a voice when “the slaves” are mistreated or killed. The same government is now encouraging more Kenyans to go to Saudi Arabia without making any agreements with them. Ours is a failed government. If only it could create an environment where jobs and small businesses can be found, no one would want to go abroad. Which other country in the world educates its citizens to export to other countries? Why are our young people treated like commodities for sale. No wonder we will be treated as such. Expect more of these deaths as our leadership does not care.