Questions after Kenyan worker dies of 'heart attack' in Oman

The family of Everlyne Amagove is demanding a full investigation into her sudden death while working in Oman.

The 33-year-old had travelled to the Gulf nation in search of better opportunities to support her family financially. Her dream was cut short after she reportedly died from a heart attack at her employer’s residence.

Relatives are now questioning whether proper procedures were followed before she left Kenya. They allege Everlyne had a fragile health condition and want authorities to determine if the recruitment agency that facilitated her travel carried out the required medical checks.

"Wakati alipoenda Oman, I was not aware. What I'm aware of is that she's dead. Kutoka hapa kwa kifua hadi kwa tumbo ilikuwa imefura. So, wakati alifinywa tumbo, damu ilitoka kwa mdomo," her mother, Rosemary Atieno, told a local TV station.

Her friend Davis Onyancha added, "Alikuwa akichoma mahindi hapa, anang'ang'ana. Wakati mwingine ananyeshewa hapa."

Everlyne had been supporting relatives in Kawangware and her rural home in Vihiga County. Her body was repatriated to Kenya in late February, but even as burial plans continue, the family insists critical questions remain unanswered.

As they mourn, they say their focus is on seeking justice and preventing other Kenyan families from enduring similar tragedies.

This comes as the government faces heightened scrutiny over its labour export program, which saw the number of Kenyans working in the Gulf region surge to over 400,000 by 2025.

According to recent data presented to the Senate by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, at least 316 Kenyans have died in the Gulf since 2022, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE accounting for the highest fatalities. 

The tragedy also coincides with the discourse over the Labour Migration and Management Bill, 2024, which aims to tighten the regulation of recruitment agencies.

The proposed law seeks to address systemic gaps, such as "contract substitution" and the lack of rigorous pre-departure health screenings, issues directly echoed by Everlyne’s family.