Well-wishers have raised Ksh876,399 for the family of Margaret Mbitu, a Kenyan nurse who was found dead inside a car at Logan Airport in Boston, USA.
Ann Mbitu, the deceased's sister, set up a GoFundMe page, appealing to the public to donate funds to alleviate some of the costs including funeral expenses as well as legal costs needed to bring justice to the family.
The campaign was created on November 8, 2023, and seeks to raise Ksh11.3 million.
"Your generosity, regardless of the amount, would be profoundly appreciated and will help alleviate the financial burden on the family," Ann stated.
"Maggie, we love you and will miss your loving, kind, caring, and genuine spirit. You were a friend to many, a helping hand to those around you, and a light in many people's lives. You taught us what it means to live fully and love generously. We’ll miss you and keep your memory with us forever. Thank you for leaving your imprint in our lives."
According to the family, Mbitu was the youngest in a family of healthcare workers as her mother and two older sisters are also nurses.
Her family went to the United States in 2007 after which Mbitu enrolled in Milton, Massachusetts to pursue a nursing degree from Curry College.
She worked as a nurse for seven years with her last position at BAMSI, a nonprofit organisation that serves people with mental and physical disabilities.
“We were hoping that she had just disconnected and needed some time to herself,” Ann pointed out.
“Though that would still be unusual for her, we were praying that would be the case. We were not prepared for this outcome.”
Mbitu's body was discovered on November 1, 2023, inside a car at Logan Airport, two days after she was reported missing by her family.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Mbitu's boyfriend, who is also a Kenyan, was at the airport during the incident, and was captured by surveillance footage leaving the parking lot and heading to the terminal to book a flight to Kenya.
US Police have issued an arrest warrant and are working with Kenyan authorities to extradite the suspect to face charges over Mbitu's murder.
