Kenyan Nurse Jackie Omino Dies During Surgery in Sweden, Leaving Two Sons

Jackie Omino, a Kenyan nurse based in Sweden, died on 14 May while undergoing surgery at Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm. She was a mother of two sons, Jay and Coby, and widely respected among the Kenyan diaspora in Sweden for her kindness, humility, and dedication to caring for others.

News of her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, relatives, and colleagues across Europe and Kenya. Many described her as warm and compassionate, with a calm presence that brought comfort to those around her. Her laughter, they said, eased difficult moments, and her sincerity and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

A devoted mother and professional

Omino's two sons were the centre of her life, according to relatives. She balanced her demanding work as a nurse with her role as a mother, and those who knew her said she approached both with the same care and commitment. Friends recall her as someone who gave freely of her time and energy, whether at work or in her personal relationships.

The Kenyan community in Sweden, which has grown steadily over the past decade, rallied around Omino's family in the days following her death. Messages of condolence and support have continued to reach the family from different parts of the world as they make funeral arrangements and support her children during the mourning period.

Surviving family and funeral plans

Omino is survived by her sisters, Caro and Midi, her nephew Shawn, extended family members, and close friends in Sweden and abroad. In a statement, relatives said the love and memories Omino shared with others would remain with those who knew her. They described her as a caring mother, sister, aunt, and friend whose influence extended beyond her immediate community.

The family has asked for privacy at this time and has not yet announced funeral arrangements. Her death adds to a difficult period for the Kenyan diaspora, which has mourned several losses in recent weeks, including the death of Sheila Jepkorir Chebii, a young woman from Eldoret who died in Sydney on 17 May just weeks after moving to Australia.

Omino's passing also highlights the challenges families face when a loved one dies overseas, including repatriation costs, distance from home, and navigating unfamiliar legal and logistical systems during a time of grief.

Reporting drawn from Mwakilishi, Samrack Media.