A family in Embu County is in distress after their 28-year-old daughter, Jackline Gatwiri, who had travelled to Iraq for work, failed to return home nearly nine months after she was expected to be deported.
Ms Gatwiri, who had previously worked in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, left her home in Kivunguru village on 6 January 2023 in search of better opportunities abroad. She had hoped to support her mother and her son, who was then four years old.
Her mother, Ms Margaret Gatavi, 53, recalls her daughter calling to confirm her safe arrival in Iraq, where she soon secured work as a hairdresser. For ten months, she regularly sent Sh10,000 home for upkeep. “That was the happiest period of my life—when my child was finally able to take care of me,” Ms Gatavi said.
However, in early 2024, Ms Gatwiri raised concerns over her deteriorating relationship with her employer. She reportedly complained about a salary reduction, which led to threats of arrest and detention. “I advised my daughter to remain humble since she was far from home,” her mother said.
By August 2024, the situation worsened. In a worrying call, Ms Gatwiri said that Kenyans in Iraq—especially those with expired contracts—were being harassed and tortured.
Shortly after, Ms Gatavi was contacted by a stranger who claimed her daughter was ill and had been imprisoned alongside ten other Kenyan nationals. The circumstances leading to their arrest remain unclear. Although it was suggested that their detention was linked to expired work permits, no official explanation has been provided.
“I was worried. My daughter was reportedly unable to eat or drink. The stranger told me she would be deported soon and that I would be notified of her arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,” Ms Gatavi said.
On 1 September 2024, she received confirmation that Ms Gatwiri would be on a flight the following day. “I barely slept that night,” she recounted. “By 8am the next day, I was at the airport, ready to welcome my daughter home.”
However, Ms Gatwiri was not on the plane.
“I was told that my daughter had been left behind after she turned violent and refused to board the plane. They claimed she was then assaulted by Iraqi security officers,” Ms Gatavi said.
Only her belongings—a phone and Sh37,000—were returned.
The family has since received no official communication about her whereabouts or condition. “We are devastated. No one has told us what really happened at the airport that day. Is she alive? Where is she?” Ms Gatavi asked tearfully.
“It’s now nine months since she disappeared. I fear the worst. I appeal to the government to help me find my daughter, dead or alive.”
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