JKIA: Bodies of 3 Kenyans Killed in Sharjah Fire Arrive Amid Grief and Mourning
- Grief-stricken families and friends gathered at JKIA as the bodies of three Kenyan men who perished in a Sharjah high-rise fire arrived home
- The victims—DJ Kaama, Benjamin Kioko, and Ian Ndungu—were among five people killed in the UAE blaze
- Kenyans online and abroad continue to mourn the loss, calling for justice and better protection for migrant workers
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NAIROBI – The bodies of three Kenyan men who tragically lost their lives in a deadly fire in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), have arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Source: Facebook
Photos shared by Kenyans.co.ke show the remains being received amid sombre scenes of mourning and grief from families, friends, and well-wishers.
Names of Kenyans who died in Sharjah
Kennedy Kamau, Benjamin Kioko, and Ian Ndung'u were among the five people who perished on Sunday, April 13.
Kamau, popularly known as DJ Kaama, was a well-known figure in entertainment circles.
Esther Shalom Madagawa, a Kenyan resident in the UAE, was among the first to confirm the identities of the deceased through a Facebook post that drew hundreds of messages of condolence and solidarity.
"Fellow Kenyans, as we continue to wait for police updates on the identification of the fourth victim, we can confirm that there were 3 Kenyan victims of the fire in Sharjah," she wrote.
How 3 Kenyans died in Sharjah
They died in a fire that ravaged the top floors of a 52-storey residential tower in Sharjah, while 19 others sustained injuries in the incident.
Many of those who died reportedly fell to their deaths while attempting to escape the raging flames.
A Pakistani man in his forties also died of cardiac arrest, believed to have been triggered by the shock of the incident.
Details indicate that the ill-fated building was inhabited by more than 1,500 people of different nationalities.
Source: UGC
How bodies were repatriated from Sharjah
The repatriation of the bodies was facilitated through efforts by the Kenyan community in the UAE, working closely with authorities and the victims' families.
The devastating news sent shockwaves through the Kenyan diaspora and home community alike, triggering an outpouring of grief across social media platforms.
Many netizens expressed heartbreak over the deaths, remembering the trio for their humility and contribution to the community.
"Rest in peace to our brothers. We need to go beyond condolences and push for better working and living conditions for our people abroad," wrote one Facebook user.
Families of Kenyans killed in Sharjah seek justice
In solidarity, Kenyans in Sharjah held a prayer and support meeting on Friday, April 18, at the Susan Events & Organising LLC Hall.
The gathering, attended by dozens of mourners, included moments of reflection, prayer, and appeals for unity during this difficult time.
Back home, the families of the deceased have called for a thorough investigation and support from both the Kenyan and UAE governments to ensure justice and appropriate compensation.
As final burial plans are underway, many continue to question the safety protocols in high-rise buildings and the welfare of migrant workers in the Gulf region.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
