Kepha Otundo: Family of Kenyan Man Killed by Ice in UK Speaks Out

The family of Kenyan migrant Kepha Otundo blame UK social services for his death from freezing temperatures in Reading, Berkshire
Otundo, 47, was living in a tent after losing his job and house, and was evicted from the area, leaving him in a dangerous winter environment.
His cousin, Mosoku Geofrey, described Otundo as the most determined man in providing for his family in Kisii

The family of Kepha Otundo, a Kenyan man who died of exposure to cold in the UK, has blamed the UK’s social services for failing.

Kepha Otundo in England before he passed away. Photo: Defender Defender.
Source: Facebook

Otundo’s death on Wednesday, January 7, in Reading, Berkshire, has sparked renewed scrutiny of the treatment of vulnerable migrants, particularly those affected by the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) policy.

The 47-year-old man was living in a tent on the Slaughterhouse Road after losing his stable job and accommodation.

Was Kepha Otundo left vulnerable during the winter?

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The area, which is a camp for several homeless people, including Kenyans and Tanzanians, became increasingly dangerous as the winter temperature dropped to -4°C.

Reading Borough Council had obtained a High Court Writ of Possession on July 4, 2025, authorizing the eviction of the residents from the land.

Eviction notices were issued, but alternative housing was few and far between, leaving Otundo and others in a precarious situation. Although mobilization teams eventually helped evacuate some residents, Otundo remained vulnerable and succumbed to the cold before help could reach him.

His cousin, Mosoku Geofrey, described Otundo as a dedicated person with dreams of building a better life for his family in Kisii.

“Kepha moved to the UK around 2022. He had a dream to work steadily, send money home to help us in Kisii, and eventually build a better life for the future maybe a house or a small business here. He faced big challenges: finding a stable job was difficult, the cost of living was high, visa issues came up, and he had no close family there. As a Kenyan immigrant, opportunities seemed limited,” Geofrey said.

How did British social services contribute to Otundo’s death?

The UK’s social services played a central role in the tragedy, with NRPF rules preventing Otundo from accessing public housing, welfare benefits, or other government-sponsored assistance.

Efforts to seek help through community contacts were unsuccessful which often left Otundo feeling neglected.

“Some of the locals and the Kenyan community (especially the churches) were kind and offered a little help, but overall he felt neglected. There were few job opportunities, and social support was not enough to keep him going,” Geofrey added.

The circumstances of Otundo’s death highlight the greater challenges facing Kenyan migrants in the UK, as increasing social and institutional hostility, as well as severe policy restrictions, have made it more difficult for those seeking work and safety abroad.