Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu announced on Friday July 12 plans to address the situation of a Kenyan student who passed away in Russia.
Njogu heeded the calls of concerned Kenyans following the drowning of 20-year-old Enock Odhiambo in Moscow, Russia. Odhiambo, a student sponsored by the government scholarship programme studying International Relations, tragically lost his life on July 5.
Odhiambo completed his high school education in 2022 and was awarded a government-funded scholarship to pursue studies in Moscow.
Classes were scheduled to commence in September 2023, but his family requested a postponement so that he could study the language before moving.
Enoch’s older brother, Joshua Otieno, revealed that the deceased travelled to Russia on May 4.
The institution called to notify them that the International Relations student had tragically drowned.
“He went swimming with two friends he had made in Moscow, but they didn’t know he was a novice swimmer,” Joshua narrated.
The family suspects that Enoch, who preferred basketball over swimming, accidentally wandered into the deep end. His friends noticed his distress when he began screaming for help, but despite their attempts to rescue him, they were unsuccessful.
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Before they could seek assistance, Enoch vanished into the water and remained submerged for an extended period. Joshua noted that it took six hours to retrieve the young boy’s lifeless body from the large pool.
“It has only been two months after moving to Russia,” the heartbroken father narrated, adding that the family needs KSh1 million to pay for return the body and morgue charges.
Odhiambo’s family has requested the assistance in raising KSh1 million.
“Thank you for tagging us on this we’re on it. Pole sana to his family,” stated PS Njogu.
Moreover, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs mentioned that it would collaborate with its Russian counterparts.
However, the official did not provide any additional information on how to assist the deceased’s family. Despite this, the response was praised by Kenyans.
“It is our sincere wish to bring him back to Kenya to be laid to rest among his family and loved ones. Please send your contributions through the given details. Your help will be highly appreciated,” read part of the family’s appeal.
By Frank Mugwe
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