This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
Elizabeth Wangoi, an 83-year-old woman who became an iconic symbol of Kenya's 2007-2008 post-election violence, has passed away at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on July 12, 2019. Her death has rekindled memories of the tragedy that left at least 40 people dead and many more traumatized.
Wangoi's picture, taken on January 1, 2008, dominated local and international headlines after a church in Kiambaa, Uasin Gishu County, was razed during the height of the violence. The photo showed her wailing, her hands in the air with her left hand holding a shoe.
According to her family, Wangoi died after being in and out of hospital since the tragic event. Her nephew, Philip Gakuha, disclosed that Wangoi was crying for her only son and child, Kimunya Wangoi, whom she suspected was among people trapped in the burning church.
Kimunya, Wangoi's son, recalled the moment they were burnt and his lucky escape by running out of the fire to MTRH where he sought treatment. He said his mother developed phobia for churches and stopped attending the Baptist Church where she was a staunch member.
Wangoi's health was worsened by unfulfilled promises by the state to compensate her for damages resulting from the destruction of her property. Her family is now struggling to raise a Sh240,000 to settle a hospital bill and to give Wangoi a decent burial at her Kiambaa farm.
In an emotional appeal to Kenyans, Gakuha said: 'Let us not again allow political competition to divide us. Kenya burnt in 2007-2008 because of politics. The politicians are now friends and ordinary Kenyans who lost their loved ones and property are still fighting, struggling to rebuild their lives.'
