Kenyan Workers Remained Stranded in Beirut
Two Kenyan women are currently facing dire circumstances after becoming displaced while working in Beirut, Lebanon.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Women’s Issues
Selina, a member of the Luhya community, is reportedly living on the streets of Beirut after working as a housemaid. Separately, Irene Wanjiru Muthoni is seeking urgent assistance to return to Kenya following her expulsion by a Lebanese employer.
Why it matters
These cases highlight the vulnerability of migrant domestic workers who face sudden displacement and a lack of support systems in foreign countries. Efforts are now underway to identify the families of those stranded and secure government intervention for their safe return.
Irene Wanjiru Muthoni was employed by a Lebanese household for a duration of 2 years prior to her displacement. The identities of the workers, including Selina who speaks Kamba, have been circulated on social media to locate their families.
The players
Selina
She is a Kenyan woman from the Luhya community who is currently living on the streets in Beirut.
Irene Wanjiru Muthoni
She is a Kenyan woman who was expelled by her employer in Beirut after working there for two years.
The details
Social media users are actively attempting to trace the family of Selina to provide her with a pathway home. Meanwhile, the husband of Irene Wanjiru Muthoni has requested direct government assistance to facilitate her repatriation to Kenya.
Timeline
Irene Wanjiru Muthoni worked for her Lebanese employer for a period of two years.
Culture Shift
These instances reflect the broader, recurring struggles faced by migrant domestic workers who lack local support networks when employment ends. This highlights the growing disconnect between labor migration flows and the protective infrastructure required to ensure worker safety.
The situation serves as a critical warning for those seeking employment abroad to verify recruitment agencies and maintain contact with local embassy officials. Families may need to dedicate significant time and resources to navigating complex international bureaucratic channels to ensure the return of loved ones.
The takeaway
Migrant workers are encouraged to register with their respective embassies upon arrival to ensure they have a safety net if employment conditions change abruptly. Establishing clear communication lines with local support organizations can be vital for those facing unexpected displacement.
Further reading
For more information on the challenges faced by migrant women, visit the Women’s Issues section.
