The family of Maureen Gitau, a Kenyan woman who went missing in the United Kingdom on Monday, December 5, appealed to members of the public to assist in her search. 

According to Jane, Gitau's mother, the 24-year-old was last seen leaving their home at Lewisham, along Evelyn Street, southeast London at around 8 pm.

Speaking to Metro, Jane revealed how hard it has been for the family to spend Christmas Day without knowing where their kin is.

“We’re desperate to have her back home with us. If, anyone knows where Maureen is, let us know. Maureen, please come home to us,” the UK-based family appealed.

A blurred image with a missing person's message  SHUTTERSTOCK

Maureen’s family and friends had spent five days looking for her after she disappeared before making a formal ‘missing person’ report with the police on Saturday, December 10. 

“Maureen is much-loved and is such an important part of our lives,” her mother said.

Clare Espline, a detective from the Missing Person Team, who has been leading her search mission said they have not received any evidence that could lead them to Maureen’s whereabouts.

“A great deal of work has gone into trying to locate her including speaking to those who know Maureen, mobile phone work, and checking any known addresses Maureen could have links to.

Unfortunately, this work has yet to lead to us locating her,” the detective told the UK-based newspaper Daily Mail.

“The longer she has been missing and out of contact, the more concern grows amongst her family and friends as they seek news to confirm she is safe and well,” the detective added.

The detective also called on anyone with credible information on Maureen’s whereabouts to contact them immediately.  

Cases of Kenyans missing and being tortured abroad, especially in the Middle East, have been on the rise. 

A photo of Nairobi's former governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko  FACEBOOK MIKE SONKO   By Sam Abuya, Kenyans.co.ke