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Grief as missing Kenyan in US found dead
Josphat Mbugua who was found dead in Atlanta, Georgia.
A Kenyan family in Atlanta, Georgia, has been thrown into mourning after their kin, who had gone missing, was found dead.
Josphat Mbugua was last seen on the evening of January 25, 2026, along Mayson Turner Road. His family had hoped for his safe return, but they are now grappling with grief and appealing for support.
His disappearance sparked widespread concern among relatives, friends and members of the Kenyan diaspora, many of whom shared appeals on social media, hoping to find him safe in Atlanta. Those hopes were shattered when his family confirmed that he was found dead on February 4, 2026.
“Thank you for all the love, concern and prayers. Mr Mbugua has been found, but unfortunately, he has passed away,” read a message shared on Kenyan community social media groups by a family member.
Loving father
“We are deeply grateful for the support during this tough time and ask for continued prayers for our family,” added the family.
In a statement, the family described Mbugua as a loving father, grandfather who earned a lot of respect in his community.
“Mbugua was a good person. He always went an extra mile for everyone, even when he had little himself,” the family said.
He is survived by his wife, Irene, his daughters Elaine and Caroline, and his granddaughters Briana and Sydney.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Investigations are ongoing.
The family has expressed its desire to honour his final wish to be buried in Kenya.
His death has created financial strain, particularly in arranging for the repatriation of his body.
Facing these challenges, the family is appealing to the community for support and has launched an online fundraiser to help cover the cost of transporting his remains and organising a dignified funeral.
“We are grateful for any contribution, no matter how small,” the family said in a statement. “Your support and compassion during this time mean the world to us.”
Emergency appeals
They are calling on the Kenyan community and Mbugua’s friends for financial support.
The case has sparked renewed concern within the Kenyan diaspora in the United States, where there has been an increase in missing persons alerts and emergency appeals in recent months. Community leaders are urging Kenyans abroad to remain vigilant, share accurate information and maintain regular contact with one another.
Last month, Eric Mutuma Kithaula, a Kenyan man who had been missing since October 2025, was found dead.
Mr Kaithula, 46, disappeared in unclear circumstances in Kent, Washington. This prompted his family and friends to launch a search campaign, only for his body to be found several months after he went missing.
His disappearance prompted widespread appeals on social media and within Kenyan community groups and diaspora networks.
Relatives and friends say they are still struggling to understand what happened and are seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death.
Authorities have not yet released full details on the cause of death, and investigations are reportedly ongoing.
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