Security Beefed Up As Kenya Remembers Westgate Terrorist Attack

Security has been enhanced in Nairobi and major towns as the country marks the second anniversary of the bloody Westgate Mall terrorist attack, authorities have said.

Uniformed and plainclothes police officers have in the past week increased their presence in public places such as churches, supermarkets, malls and and other social places to preempt any attacks.

They have also asked Kenyans to be extra vigilant . “We are all over but need public participation to ensure total safety,” said National Police Service Director of Communications.

And according to Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Joseph Nkaissery, the country is now safe and ready for economic take off. The CS says security agencies have foiled dozens of attacks and arrested many suspects: “We don’t shout all the time but I can tell you we have foiled many similar incidents. It is unfortunate some (attacks) have happened but we are focused for now,” he said. He cited the August arrest of more than a dozen suspects and seizure of weapons in Garissa town.
Al-Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the Westgate attack, terming it retribution for Kenya’s military incursion into Somalia.

The siege at the mall started on September 21, 2013 when four militants stormed the mall and started shooting shoppers. Sixty seven people were killed and hundreds wounded during the four-day siege.

Security agencies were caught off guard when the terrorists struck the upmarket mall which is usually frequented by wealthy locals and expatriates.

Source: Standard