By Andrew Wasike and Magdalene Mukami
NAIROBI, Kenya
Hundreds of survivors and friends and families of the victims of the 1998 terrorist bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya gathered for the 20th anniversary commemoration of the attack on Tuesday.
Rober Godec, the current U.S. ambassador to Kenya, was among those at the commemoration at the August 7th Memorial Park and Museum in the capital Nairobi.
Survivors of the attack, like Mary Kinyanjui, were led to a wall where the names of those who died 20 years ago in the bombing are inscribed in marble.
Now partially blind due to shrapnel that fell into her eyes, the 50-year-old walked with crutches to support her body. During the bombing, another sharp metallic object pierced her leg, pinning her to the ground and rendering her helpless.
She recalled men in white coats lifting her up before she passed out due to the extreme pain.
Remembering the chaotic aftermath of the attack -- the bodies of people who were alive just seconds ago lying still and lifeless -- she said she was lucky, a teardrop running down her cheek.
Photographers rushed in to take a photo of her, her palms pressed firmly on the marble wall bearing the names of the victims.
'Ripples were felt across Kenya'
Another survivor of the attack embraced her, commiserating in her sorrow. Mary clutched at a silver cross hanging from a chain around her neck.
“I lost friends who I used to work with, that was 20 years ago. I can never forget them and that’s why I’m here crying for myself and them,” Mary told Anadolu Agency.
“I forgave the terrorist ages ago.”
“Two hundred and thirteen people died, but let me tell you, the damage that happened is even more. I was the breadwinner, but in my state I can't work. Supporting a family of six is no joke, and I’m sure so many people were also hurt.
“The ripple effect was felt across Kenya, that was 20 years ago, and I’m am grateful to be alive.”
She thanked the Kenyan government for fighting terrorism.
Compensation promises
Ambassador Godec told the survivors: “In the moment and days that followed the blast, your heroism stands in tribute to compassion and to all that is best in humanity. I want to thank all those who helped to build and maintain this memorial.”
He affirmed to the families who had attended the candlelit memorial that the U.S. will continue to help Kenya fight terrorism, adding: “We clearly and loudly say that although we have suffered, we are not beaten.”
But others complained that victims and survivors who were not affiliated with the U.S. Embassy have yet to be compensated, despite promises by the U.S. and Kenyan officials.
Survivor Victor Wafula said, “We were just passing by, 20 years ago. I had two legs, now I have only one, my hearing is also poor, we were promised compensation and we want it.”
The Aug. 7, 1998 near-simultaneous attacks on the embassies in Kenya and Tanzania -- both in East Africa -- were claimed by then-Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
The attackers were arrested on August 14 by Kenyan security forces working hand in hand with the FBI and extradited to the United States.
In 2003 a new U.S. Embassy was opened in Gigiri, Nairobi. The land the embassy previously occupied was donated to a charitable trust.
