Kenyan nurse Jackie Omino dies during surgery in Sweden, community mourns devoted mother

Jackie Omino walked into Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm on May 14, 2026, for surgery. She never walked out. The Kenyan nurse's sudden death has left her two sons, Jay and Coby, without their mother, and a community across Europe grieving the loss of one of their own.

Omino's death has deeply affected the Kenyan community in Sweden and prompted tributes from friends, relatives and colleagues across Europe and Kenya. She was widely respected for her kindness, humility and commitment to caring for others, both in her work as a nurse and in her personal life.

Family and friends described her as warm and compassionate, with a calm presence that brought comfort to those around her. Many said her laughter eased difficult moments, while her sincerity and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Omino was also remembered as a devoted mother to her two sons, who relatives said were the centre of her life.

A life dedicated to care

As a nurse, Omino spent her career caring for others—work that demanded both technical skill and emotional resilience. Colleagues remembered her professionalism and the genuine care she brought to her patients. Friends said she carried the same warmth into her personal relationships, always ready to listen, support, or simply share a moment of laughter.

The circumstances of her death during what should have been routine surgery have left many in the community shaken. While details remain limited, the tragedy has underscored the fragility of life and the particular pain of losing a loved one far from home.

Community support

In the days since her death, tributes have poured in from across the Kenyan diaspora in Sweden, other parts of Europe, and back home in Kenya. Friends have shared memories of Omino's generosity, her strength as a single mother, and the joy she brought to those around her.

The Kenyan community in Sweden is now rallying to support her family, particularly her two sons, as they navigate this devastating loss. The tragedy also brings into focus the challenges diaspora families face when dealing with sudden deaths abroad—the logistics of repatriation, funeral arrangements, and the distance from extended family support networks.

Omino's death is a reminder of the sacrifices many in the diaspora make, building lives and careers far from home while raising families and contributing to their new communities. For those who knew her, the loss is deeply personal—a nurse who healed others, a mother who nurtured her children, and a friend who brought light to difficult days.