The bodies of three Kenyans who died in a tragic tower fire in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), are set to be repatriated to Kenya for burial, following the intervention of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
In a statement shared on social media on Saturday night, Sonko announced that the remains of the three victims Ian Ndung’u Mungai, Kennedy Kamau Wangari, and Benjamin Kioko Ndunda would arrive in the country on separate days between May 4 and May 6.
“Finally, the three bodies of Kenyans who died in a fire tragedy in Sharjah, UAE, will be repatriated from Dubai International Airport to JKIA starting tomorrow,” Sonko stated.
According to the schedule:
Ian Ndung’u Mungai’s body will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday, May 4 at 11:10 a.m.
Kennedy Kamau Wangari’s remains will arrive on Monday, May 5 at the same time.
While Benjamin Kioko Ndunda’s body is expected on Tuesday, May 6 at 11:10 a.m.
Sonko expressed gratitude to various individuals and agencies who facilitated the repatriation, including 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 a man identified as Timothy.
“I sincerely thank all those involved in ensuring the successful repatriation of our fellow Kenyans. May God rest their souls in eternal peace,” Sonko said.
The three victims were among five people who lost their lives on Sunday, April 13, after a fire broke out on the 44th floor of a 52-story residential tower in Sharjah.
Most of the building’s residents were immigrants, and the trio is believed to have died while attempting to escape the blaze.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roselyn Njogu had earlier confirmed the deaths, expressing condolences to the affected families and pledging government support.
On April 22, Sonko had publicly offered to cover the cost of repatriating the three bodies, estimating it would cost sh200,000 per body.
