Events inside Ethiopia brought personal tragedy to Workeneh's life: the unsuccessful attempt on Marshal Rodolfo Graziani's life led to reprisals which included the summary execution of Workeneh's sons, Benyam and Yosef. Other members of his family, including his estranged wife Qatsala, his first son Tewodros, and his daughters and in-laws, were interned and deported to Italy. Workneh turned his attention to obtaining the release of his imprisoned family, and his and their resettlement in India. Despite his efforts, he could only take four of his children with him to India, where he remained until 1941/2. Returning to Ethiopia, he dedicated the rest of his life to educating his grandchildren and the children of his relatives and neighbors at his house on the eastern outskirts of Addis Ababa.