BODY ARRIVES

The body of a Kenyan volunteer who was killed in Haiti during a devastating earthquake last month arrived in the country early on Saturday morning.

Nivah Odwori’s body arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly after 6am and was received by family, friends and officials of the United Nations office. Cabinet Minister Fred Gumo, an in-law to the deceased, led the emotional exercise.

“She has worked in difficult areas all her life and she always liked to help people. That is how she ended up in Haiti,” said Mr Gumo.

More than 212,000 people perished in the worst quake to hit the poor South American country that was just recovering from the effects of the 2008 hurricane and years of political unrest. The country’s capital city Port-Au-Prince was completely destroyed in the disaster.

Ms Odwori moved to Haiti earlier last month to help in rebuilding the country’s electoral system. As a UN volunteer she was attached to the District Commissioner’s office. The UN has confirmed that 84 of its employees lost their lives during the quake.

Ms Odwori will be buried at her family home in Nangina, Busia District, on Sunday.

“She was a very good Christian and very kind, always ready to help,” Mr Gumo said.