A Kenyan woman from Kiambu County is reportedly missing in Iraq after escaping from an abusive employer in Mosul.
According to her close friend, Margret Njeri Munai from Kilimambogo, Thika, traveled to Iraq from Kenya through Al Adwaa Agency, commonly known as Sheila Agency, which is now said to have been closed down.
The two women reportedly traveled together in search of work opportunities but later found themselves in difficult and unsafe working conditions.
Her friend says she managed to escape from her employer, but Margret continued to suffer mistreatment at her boss’s home in Mosul.
While in Iraq, Margret reportedly met fellow Kenyans who attempted to help her escape from the situation.
However, complications arose during the escape.
One of the women involved allegedly demanded payment before helping Margret reach a safe destination.
When payment was not made immediately, the woman reportedly instructed the driver transporting Margret to leave her at a police checkpoint between Mosul and the Kurdistan border.
It is alleged that police officers refused to let Margret proceed because she did not have an iqama, the Iraqi residence permit, and her visa had already expired.
Her friend says the last time they communicated, Margret was at a police station in Mosul where officers were taking her fingerprints.
Shortly afterward, her phone went off and all communication stopped.
Later, the employer reportedly informed Margret’s friend that she had been jailed in an Iraqi women’s prison and accused of stealing and escaping from her employer’s home.
Efforts by friends and fellow Kenyans in Iraq to trace or help her have reportedly failed so far.
The family has not publicly shared the matter due to concerns about her mother’s health condition.
Only Margret’s sister in law is said to be aware of the situation.
Her friends are now appealing to anyone in Iraq, Kenyan authorities, human rights organizations, or well wishers who may have information or connections that can help trace Margret Njeri Munai to come forward and assist
