Former Immigration Officer Living on Streets Seeks Help to Return Home

A woman who once worked for Kenya’s Immigration Department is now appealing for help to return to her family after spending more than a decade living on the streets of Nairobi.

Millicent Mary Atieno, originally from Kopolo Nango in Sakwa, Siaya County, left her rural home about 15 years ago in search of opportunities in the capital. She says she eventually secured employment with the Immigration Department and built what she remembers as a stable life.

But somewhere along the way, her fortunes changed. Today, Millicent survives without shelter, moving between different parts of Nairobi while struggling to fully explain how she ended up destitute. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her past, she clearly remembers her home and family.

“I know my home and my family,” she says, expressing a strong desire to return and rebuild her life.

Her story came to public attention after Brian Otieno Odhiambo met her in the Lunga Lunga area of Nairobi. Surprised by her fluent Luo and English, he struck up a conversation and gradually learned about her former career and family background.

Millicent says she has three children and parents who are still alive in Siaya.

After Brian shared her story on TikTok, several people claiming to be relatives reached out, expressing a willingness to bring her back home to Sakwa. 

However, attempts to reunite her with family have been difficult. On several occasions, she reportedly disappeared or changed locations whenever relatives tried to meet her.

Observers believe her behaviour could be linked to possible mental health challenges, though Millicent maintains that she simply wants to return home. Millicent’s story also echoes another case that recently sparked concern among Kenyans online. 

Videos circulating on social media showed Ian Kimtai, a Kenyan man living on the streets in Melbourne, Australia. Kimtai was once remembered as a disciplined student at St Joseph’s Boys High School Kitale before his life reportedly took a similar downward turn.