Fundraiser launched for ‘beloved sister and daughter’ found in water
Edna Mmbali Ombakho went missing last month and police say a body believed to be hers has been found
The Source: Fundraiser launched for ‘beloved sister and daughter’ found in water
On their GoFundMe page, Edna’s family wrote that following her “untimely death” they want to bring her home to Kenya where she can be laid to rest.
STORY BY MELISSA SIGODO
MARCH 17, 2026
A fundraiser has been launched after a body believed to be that of a missing student was found.
Edna Mmbali Ombakho from Kenya whose friends and family described as “quiet and diligent” was reported missing a month ago on February 1, 2026.
But after nearly six weeks, police announced that they had found a body in water in Wraysbury on Sunday, March 8, and later told The Source that her death is currently being treated as “unexplained” and no arrests have been made.
Now following the devastating news, Edna’s family has launched a fundraiser to help with the costs of taking her body to Kenya where she can be “laid to rest among loved ones.”
On the GoFundMe page, they wrote: “Following the untimely death of our beloved sister and daughter, Edna Mmbali Ombakho, this fundraiser has been set up to support the costs of repatriation from the United Kingdom to Kenya and the associated funeral arrangements.
“Our family would like to bring her home to Kenya so she can be laid to rest among loved ones. Repatriation involves significant logistical and financial arrangements, including transport and funeral costs.
“Any contributions will go towards covering these expenses. Thank you to everyone who has shown support during this time.”
The 31-year-old was said to have been studying a Master of Science degree at York St John University in London, and her family had been appealing for information following her disappearance.
According to Kenyan news site Mwakilishi, Edna was regularly in touch with her sister and father, but after over a week without contact, they raised the alarm.
Edna’s family attended a formal briefing at Slough Police Station where they were joined by representatives from the Kenya High Commission, members of the UK–Kenya Diaspora Community as well as the student’s friends, Mwakilishi reported at the time.
Thames Valley Police says that formal identification has yet to take place but a file is being prepared for the coroner.
In a statement, the force said: “On Tuesday, March 10, Thames Valley Police released a statement which read: “Following joint searches, a body was found in water in Wraysbury on Sunday (8/3).
“Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey Lowland Search & Rescue helped us in our searches and we thank them for their hard work.
“Formal identification of the woman has not yet taken place, but it is believed to be missing woman Edna, aged 31, from Wraysbury, who was reported missing on 1 February 2026. Edna’s next of kin have been informed.
“A file is being prepared for the coroner.
“Our thoughts remain with Edna’s family at this difficult time.”
For more information about the GoFundMe which has raised £934 out of its £5,000 target, click here.