A Kenyan family is struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of their loved one, who was found dead inside his home in the United States just days after celebrating his birthday.
Dickson Gitonga Mbatau, who was living in Phoenix, Arizona, died on Wednesday, October 28, leaving his family and friends devastated.
Family requested police welfare check What makes the loss particularly heartbreaking is that Dickson had celebrated his 54th birthday just four days earlier, on October 24, sharing photographs from his birthday dinner with his family.
The pictures offered his loved ones a glimpse of what appeared to be a happy occasion, unaware that they would soon be left grappling with his sudden death.
According to information shared by the family, concern began mounting after they went approximately 48 hours without hearing from Dickson.
Unable to establish contact with him, his relatives became worried about his well-being and eventually requested a welfare check from the Phoenix Police Department.
It was during the welfare check that the family received the heartbreaking news that Dickson had been found deceased inside his home on October 28.
His death has left those close to him mourning a man whose birthday celebrations had taken place only days before the tragedy.
Family seeks help to bring body home
Following his death, the family is now facing the difficult task of arranging for his remains to be repatriated to Kenya, where he will be laid to rest among his loved ones.
The process requires financial resources, prompting an appeal for support from relatives, friends, Kenyans living in the diaspora and other well-wishers.
Sharon Mumbi, who is coordinating the arrangements on behalf of the family, has appealed for prayers and financial contributions to help facilitate the repatriation process.
The family hopes that through collective support, they will be able to bring Dickson home and give him a dignified farewell surrounded by those who loved him.
Those wishing to support the family can contribute through the GoFundMe campaign established to facilitate his repatriation.
