This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
Esther Wambui, a Kenyan woman who captured the nation's attention in April after a video of her wailing uncontrollably outside Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) went viral, has tragically succumbed to cancer.
Wambui, who was battling cervical cancer, was initially denied treatment at KNH due to a medical bill of Sh1,950, which her family was unable to pay. Her sister, Gladys Mwihaki, a casual laborer with a meager income, was unable to cover the cost.
However, after well-wishers intervened following the viral video, Wambui was finally admitted to KNH two days later.
According to Kenyan investigative journalist John-Allan Namu, who announced the news on Twitter, Wambui passed away on July 15th of this year. Her family is now appealing for help to raise the remaining Sh300,000 to release her body from the hospital's mortuary for burial.
Here is the video that sparked the outpouring of support: https://twitter.com/i/status/1110970888038551553
