Questions remain after Kenyan worker’s death in Sydney hotel as family seeks answers
“Basic questions remain unanswered, and the family needs clarity about what happened and what the next steps are.”
The family of Kenyan worker Sheila Chebii is seeking further information from Australian authorities following her death at a Sydney hotel, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Chebii’s cousin, who regularly communicated with her during work shifts, said the last message she received from Chebii came shortly before emergency services were called to Meriton Suites Sussex Street in Sydney.At 12.36pm, Chebii sent a message saying she was doing well. It was the final communication her cousin received from her.
Emergency services were called to the hotel at about 1.30pm, according to New South Wales police.Chebii’s family has since raised concerns about the lack of detailed information available regarding her death. Her older brother Amos travelled to Australia following the incident and said the family hoped legal representatives would assist in obtaining answers.
The family has requested that all relevant avenues be examined as they seek clarity over the circumstances leading to Chebii’s death.Australian authorities are continuing their inquiries. New South Wales police said a report would be prepared for the state coroner, who will determine whether an inquest should be held.SafeWork NSW, the workplace safety regulator, confirmed it was making inquiries into the matter.
The case has drawn attention from members of the Kenyan community in Australia. A protest was held outside the hotel weeks after Chebii’s death, with participants calling for transparency and further information about what occurred.Mathew Gitau, a Kenyan community leader, said Chebii’s death had affected many people beyond her immediate family and friends.
Community members have also helped raise funds for the repatriation of her body.Gitau said Chebii represented the hopes of many young Kenyans who travel abroad seeking education, employment opportunities and improved prospects.He said the delay in receiving detailed updates from authorities had contributed to concerns among members of the community.
The incident has also received attention in Kenya. Member of parliament Timothy Toroitich raised the matter in parliament, saying that significant questions remained about the circumstances of Chebii’s death.Kenya’s high commission said it had remained in contact with Australian authorities, including law enforcement agencies, regarding the case.
A spokesperson for the mission said it had not received final findings or conclusions from the investigation.Meriton said Chebii was not directly employed by the hotel but worked through a subcontractor.A spokesperson for the company said internal inquiries indicated that Chebii had only been employed as a hotel room cleaner for a few weeks before her death.
The company’s statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of the incident.Chebii’s case has highlighted the challenges faced by families dealing with investigations in foreign legal systems.
Her relatives have sought updates while navigating procedures involving Australian authorities and workplace regulators.The state coroner’s review will determine whether further examination through an inquest is required.
Such proceedings, if held, may provide additional information about the events leading to Chebii’s death.Authorities have not released final conclusions, and investigations remain ongoing.
