Terrorist Attack in Kenya’s Westgate Mall

By: Jennifer Fierberg

On Saturday September 21st, 2013 Kenya experienced a horrific terrorist attack at Westgate Mall. Terrorists stormed into the shopping center and began shooting. There has been much speculation and various statements as to who is responsible and why but with the situation still ongoing there are no absolutes yet. Sadly, 79 people have been confirmed dead and over 150 injured.  Terrifying images have been published in worldwide newspapers including one that lead to the firing of an editor.  Kenyan Defense Forces has reported that, “Most of the hostages have been rescued and security forces have taken control of most parts of the building.”

This kind of violence is felt the world over especially for those in Central Africa. One Rwandan political opposition party published the following statement in order to express their condolences and to stand in solidarity with the people of Kenya:

Sweden,        Malmö, 21st Sept 2013

Ref: RPP/WMTA-01/C4031/CM-021/JVK-KG-21S/2013/F1   

Your Excellency, Uhuru Kenyatta

Kenyan President of the Republic of Kenya

State House

Milimani Estate

P.O.Box 40530 Nairobi

Kenya

 

Dear Mr.  President,

Ref: The cowardly act of inconceivable horrors of the Westgate Mall Terrorist terror attack

On my behalf and of that of the Rwanda People’s Party (RPP) we express our condolences and deepest sympathy to the Government of  Kenya, the relatives and friends of the victims and the injured ones of the Westgate Mall terrorist atrocities.  We condemn this crime in the strongest possible terms.

We wish to assure the Kenyan people that the people of Rwanda are with them wholeheartedly.

Indeed no one is better placed to appreciate the overwhelming agony and anguish of the relatives of the victims of the Westgate Mall terror attack than the people of Rwanda. 19 years later, after one million defenseless Rwandans were slaughtered, we are still undergoing the same painful experiences.

The people of Rwanda are aware of the horrific consequences of these heinous atrocities and the long-term effects on the relatives and friends of the victims of Westgate terror attack.

First, they will endure the long-term trauma and painful scar of losing loved ones in such vicious circumstances.

Second, there are the long-term memories of loved ones and the constant asking of questions that cannot be answered.

We have unshakeable confidence in Kenya as a nation and a people that will leave no stone unturned until those despicable perpetrators of this cowardly act are apprehended and brought to justice.

We once again, share the pain of the families and relatives of the victims and injured ones of the Westgate Mall carnage.

God Bless the People of the Republic of Kenya.

John V Karuranga, President  

Rwanda People’s Party                                                                                                                     www.rwandapeopleparty.org                                                                                                                                Facebook: Rwanda Peoples Party                                                                                                                           Email: rppimvura@yahoo.com                                                                                

Skype: John.Karuranga                                                                                                                                           Twitter@rppimvura    

End                                                         

Readers are encouraged to beware of any groups seeking financial support and to check with Kenyan authorities before donating. There is much need for blood and financial assistance but all donations should be funneled through the Kenyan Red Cross at this point.

Prayers for Kenya….

Related posts