Did Rahab Wanjiru Kiarie Take Her Own Life in Saudi Arabia or Is There More to the Story?
- VOO News
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
The tragic case of Rahab Wanjiru Kiarie, who died in Saudi Arabia last month after three years of hard work, has left many questions unanswered. Officially, her employer claims she committed suicide by hanging. However, her family in Molo, Kenya, strongly disputes this narrative and is actively seeking help to bring her body home. What really happened to Rahab during her time abroad?

As a Kenyan worker overseas, Rahab's experience reflects a wider reality for many who face significant hurdles, including cultural barriers and potential exploitation. Saudi Arabia often faces criticism for its treatment of foreign workers, especially women, who can find themselves in dangerous situations. Rahab's story highlights the urgent need for better protections for workers abroad and calls attention to the mental health challenges that expatriates frequently experience.
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The Claim of Suicide
Rahab's employer's assertion that she took her own life is met with skepticism by her family and the wider Kenyan community. Before her death, Rahab reportedly sent messages home detailing her struggles, including long hours and difficult working conditions. Her family believes she would not have resorted to such a drastic action, indicating that the truth may be more complicated than has been reported. For instance, in an alarming survey, 45% of migrant workers in similar situations reported experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety due to work pressures.
Demands for Transparency and Justice
As pressure mounts from Rahab's family and advocacy groups, there is a clear call for more transparency regarding her death. They are not only asking for her body to be returned but also for a thorough investigation. Words from family members reflect the pain they feel. Parental grief is compounded as many families still experience challenges in advocating for their loved ones overseas. The situation underscores the necessity for better advocacy on behalf of vulnerable workers who often lack the resources to fight for their rights.
Cultural and Emotional Implications
Losing a loved one far from home is a tragic experience for many Kenyan families. The ability to repatriate a body for a proper burial is culturally significant and serves as an essential form of closure. According to cultural practices, families often spend significant resources on sending their loved ones for a dignified send-off. Rahab’s family, dealing with grief without closure, represents the emotional toll experienced by many others facing similar losses abroad.
The Need for Change
Rahab's story serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in how foreign workers are treated. Many workers lack crucial emotional and legal support. For example, a report from the International Labour Organization indicates that nearly 60% of migrant workers worldwide are unaware of their rights in their countries of employment. There is an immediate need for improved labor rights and safe working conditions, both domestically and internationally. Advocating for the rights of these workers can help reduce the occurrence of such tragedies in the future.
The Path Forward
Rahab Wanjiru Kiarie's tragic story raises crucial concerns about labor rights, mental health support, and the treatment of expatriates. As her family seeks justice and the return of her body, the larger conversation about the treatment of workers who leave home in search of better opportunities gains urgency.
Did Rahab truly take her own life, or is there more to the story? The community craves clarity in this heartbreaking situation. Drop a comment below with your thoughts on this important matter.
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