Tragic Loss and Anger: A Mother's Journey Through Migration and Smuggling

Senait Mebrehtu's daughter drowned while attempting to escape Eritrea, underlining the risks faced by many seeking asylum in Kenya.

 

As dusk descended upon the shores of Lake Turkana, Senait Mebrehtu mourned her 14-year-old daughter, Hiyab, who tragically drowned during a treacherous migration attempt to Kenya. Senait, an Eritrean Christian seeking refuge from religious persecution, had previously found asylum in Kenya but was separated from her daughters who yearned to join her. After consulting relatives, she reluctantly placed her trust in smugglers to secure her daughters' escape from their militarized homeland.

Hiyab was traveling with her sister when their boat overturned on a perilous crossing. Amid powerful winds and overcrowded conditions, Hiyab's journey turned into a nightmare resulting in the loss of seven lives, a tragedy witnessed by other migrants. Senait's frustrations were palpable as she placed blame on the unscrupulous smugglers who carelessly overloaded the boat.

A female smuggler, operating within a network spanning several East African countries, acknowledged that Lake Turkana has recently emerged as a popular trafficking route for migrants. This shift follows a tightening of security measures along land routes into Kenya, as smugglers adapt to increased patrols. With migrant deaths rising, this areas’ illicit traffic carries grim risks, and many families find themselves deceived by traffickers about their loved ones' safety.

The heart-wrenching stories arising from this situation illustrate the plight faced by many Eritreans fleeing violence and repressive regimes. As socioeconomic turmoil escalates in neighboring countries like Ethiopia and Sudan, Kenya has become an increasingly desirable refuge, yet remains fraught with dangers of its own.

Senait's anguish echoes a wider crisis—345,000 Eritrean refugees seeking safety in East Africa amidst ongoing conflicts. The struggle to navigate these dangerous routes highlights the need for better awareness and more humane options for those escaping despair, with Senait hoping for healing for her stricken homeland.