Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko led a somber procession at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Monday, May 5 morning, as the bodies of three Kenyan men who perished in a fire tragedy in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, were repatriated.
The deceased – Ian Ndung’u Mungai, Kennedy Kamau Wangari, and Benjamin Kioko Ndunda – tragically lost their lives in a residential blaze that occurred in Sharjah several days ago, leaving families and the Kenyan diaspora community in mourning.
“Good morning everyone. We are on our way to JKIA to receive the bodies of our late brothers who died in Sharjah, UAE,” Sonko posted earlier on social media, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. “May God grant you strength, hope, and courage during this difficult period.”
The body of the late Benjamin Kioko was among the first to arrive and was immediately escorted to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home following brief prayers at the airport.
Sonko also paid tribute to the collaborative efforts that enabled the safe return of the bodies, thanking 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 Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu.
“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.
