A family in Ngonyek, Trans Nzoia county, has been left in deep shock and agony after learning that their 28-year-old son, Peter Omambia, was buried in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), without their knowledge, consent, or involvement.

Peter had left Kenya like many young jobseekers, pursuing better economic opportunities abroad to support his family.

However, his life was cut short under unclear circumstances while working in the UAE.

While the family was still grappling with the crushing news of his demise, they received a second devastating blow: confirmation that Peter had already been laid to rest thousands of miles away in Dubai.

No consultation

The Omambia family claims they were completely excluded from any decision-making process regarding their son’s final rites.

To date, no official entity has provided a clear account of the exact cause of death or explained who authorized the burial in Dubai without notifying or consulting his next of kin in Kenya.

“We received no satisfactory explanation from anyone,” the family expressed, highlighting the pain of being left in the dark about the final days and hours of their son’s life.

We want the body

Desperate for closure, the grieving family is appealing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant Kenyan authorities to intervene.

They are demanding exhumation and repatriation of Peter’s body back home to Kenya so he can be accorded a dignified burial among his ancestors in Trans Nzoia and full investigation and transparent inquiry into the exact circumstances surrounding his death and the subsequent unauthorized burial.

Peter’s tragedy shines a harsh spotlight on the systemic vulnerabilities faced by Kenyan migrant workers in Gulf states, particularly regarding how medical emergencies, deaths, and communication with families back home are handled.