By Vincent Bartoo
?The role of women in Kenya’s liberation struggle from colonialism is often overlooked with majority of feted heroes being men.
In life and after death, nothing much is said of them as many have either died or are living in their sunset years in utter neglect and abject poverty.
Majority of them were widowed with children to raise after their husbands were killed in the liberation struggle. Sadly, the nation has since independence turned a blind eye to them.
As a matter of fact, no monument in the country bears the figure of a woman in any landmark in the country. This manifests how their roles have failed to get recognition.
Like many before her, the death of Margaret Tabaigoi Bartiony, passed unnoticed by many and her burial on May 26 in Nandi County was a low key ceremony.
Her name may not ring a bell in the ears of many Kenyans, but Tabaigoi’s contribution to the defeat of the British colonialists should earn her a place in the country’s Hall of Fame.
Her burial in Sang’alo passed like any other, save for her family and a few guests who paid glowing tribute to the unsung liberation heroine.
Tabaigoi was the daughter-in-law of the legendary Nandi freedom fighter Koitalel arap Samoei who was a revered Orkoiyot (Seer) from the Talai community.
She was married to Koitalel’s nephew, the late Kipng’erechi Bartiony arap Buigut.
British enemy
Tabaigoi was instrumental in holding together the Talai community as their fathers and sons were sought after, detained and killed by the British colonialists.
