The family of Sharon Jepkosgei Kigen, the Kenyan woman who drowned in Australia, have been recalling their last moments with her before she left for her studies.
Sharon had left Kenya on November 21, 2022, for North Sydney to pursue a post-graduate degree in IT at Catholic University. She had secured a scholarship for her studies after graduating from Kenyatta University in 2020.
Before leaving, her family held a special thanksgiving and farewell prayer for her in their village, Kimuchi in Uasin Gishu county. The send-off party was attended by family, friends, and neighbors, who converged to wish her well on her international journey.
Sharon’s parents, Francis Kigen and Rael Chepkemboi, had sold a piece of land to help fund her travel, living, and study expenses. They also held a fundraiser, which raised about Sh2.5 million.
On the day of her departure, Sharon’s parents and two of her sisters accompanied her to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. A video of their farewell shows Sharon in high spirits, joking and laughing with her family.
Sharon’s family have been recalling their “last supper” with her before she left. They had gathered at their home in Kimuchi to have a meal together, which was an emotional event. “We were crying, and we didn’t want her to go,” said Sharon’s mother, Rael.
Sharon had promised to return to Kenya after her studies and set up an IT firm to help her neighbors and their children. Her family had been eagerly waiting for her return, and her sudden death has left them in shock and disbelief.
Sharon drowned while swimming with friends along River Georges Macquarie, Australia, just five days before she was due to start her classes at Catholic University. Her body was retrieved by emergency services officers, and her family are now appealing for financial support to bring her body back home for burial.
The news of Sharon’s death has sent shockwaves through her village and the wider community. Her family and friends have described her as a bright and ambitious young woman, with a promising future ahead of her. They will remember her fondly and with great sadness, as they mourn her untimely passing.
