A 30-year-old Kenyan graduate, Mary Awuonda, tragically passed away just seven days after arriving in Qatar for a new job.

Mary, a Hotel Management graduate, had been eagerly seeking employment for some time. When a close friend who was already in Qatar invited her for a job opportunity, she jumped at the chance. Her mother, Grace Awuonda, shared that Mary was thrilled about the position, as it promised a substantial salary that would allow her to support her family.

Mary's role in Qatar was as a domestic worker for a family, a position she had actively sought out. "She was excited about the job because it offered a good salary that she could use to help her family," her mother explained.

Mystery Surrounding Mary Awuonda's Death

However, just one week after starting her new job, Mary’s family received devastating news: she had passed away. The family was informed that Mary died from electrocution, according to postmortem results from Qatar.

Despite the official cause of death, the family remains deeply troubled, feeling that many questions surrounding Mary's death have gone unanswered. They have not been provided with clear details about the circumstances that led to the electrocution, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and grief. Lacking the resources for an independent postmortem, the family is unable to further investigate the matter.

The tragedy was compounded when Mary’s grandmother, upon hearing the news of her granddaughter's death, suffered a heart attack and also passed away. Now, the family is faced with the overwhelming task of organizing two funerals while grappling with the sudden loss of their loved ones.

Another Family's Loss in Qatar

Mary's death is not an isolated incident. In February 2024, another Kenyan family in Kiminini Constituency, Trans-Nzoia County, sought government assistance to repatriate the body of their relative, Andrew, who also died in Qatar. Andrew had spoken to his wife, Grace Nafula, just nine hours before his death, telling her that he had just finished dinner and was off work the next day.

Efforts to bring Andrew's body back for burial have been stalled due to disputes between the Kenyan embassy and his employer over his final paycheck, adding further distress to the grieving family.

Mary’s tragic story highlights the uncertainties and risks that many face when seeking employment abroad, leaving her family and loved ones searching for answers and justice.