- A young student who travelled abroad in search of opportunity will be honoured this week by Kenyans in Australia
- Naureen Lugalia died during Christmas week of 2025 after a prolonged battle with illness, a life that was altered just two years after relocating
- Friends, family, and Kenyans in the diaspora will gather in Hectorville to remember Naureen’s courage, warmth, and determination
The Kenyan community in Australia is preparing to hold a solemn memorial service in honour of Naureen Lugalia, a young Kenyan student whose life was cut short after a prolonged battle with illness.
Source: Facebook
The service will take place on Friday, 16 January, at 5:30pm at Annunciation Catholic Church on Montacute Road in Hectorville, where friends, relatives, and community members will gather in remembrance.
When did Naureen move to Australia?
Naureen arrived in Australia in November 2023 to pursue her education, carrying with her not only academic ambition but a warmth and optimism that quickly endeared her to many.
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Those who met her describe a focused and gentle young woman with a bright, promising future, according to the Kenyan Diaspora Media.
Her journey was abruptly altered in June 2024 when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer, beginning a challenging medical ordeal that tested both her strength and spirit.
She underwent intensive chemotherapy at Lyell McEwin Hospital until April 2025, a period marked by resilience and quiet courage.
When did Naureen die?
When treatment shifted to medical observation, there was cautious hope for improvement.
Yet despite her unwavering determination, Naureen’s health took another downturn in late 2025, forcing her to resume chemotherapy and spend more time in and out of hospital.
Her final days came during the Christmas week, when she was admitted to Modbury Hospital. There, surrounded by friends and close family members, Naureen passed away peacefully at around 4pm.
Her death has left many heartbroken, not only in Australia but also back home in Kenya, where her story has stirred an outpouring of sympathy.
Source: Facebook
Naureen mourned by elder brother
Among those who mourned her was her brother, Bishop Benson Lugalia, who thanked her for making him to learn parenting and paying school fees.
“When you moved to Australia, you were one of the pillars in my life. You supported me fully, financially and through moral encouragement. You wanted me to change my life. Anyway, it’s God wish,” he wrote.
As preparations for the memorial service continue, community members have expressed gratitude for the support shown throughout Naureen’s illness.
The service is expected to celebrate her life, her bravery, and the quiet but powerful impact she made during her time abroad.
Kenyan man dies in the US
In another heartbreaking story, Kenyans, both at home and abroad were thrown into mourning following the death of Daniel Kimani, who died abroad.
Kimani, also known as General, passed away a few days ago in Georgia, USA, with many people coming out to mourn him.
Described as a pillar of the community, Kimani’s family shared that they needed KSh 2 million to bring his body back home for burial, as per his wishes
He is survived by his dear wife of many years and their children, who announced his death and have been fundraising to return his body home for burial.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
