Following the horrendous terror attack that occurred at a Nairobi hotel on Tuesday, the Kenya Tourism Federation has confirmed that all tourist circuits across the country are operating normally. The country is safe, and tourists are urged to continue with their planned tour itineraries across the county and within Nairobi.
On 15 January 2019, at approximately 15:00hrs Kenyan time, gunmen breached the security controlled gate at a Nairobi building complex located in the Nairobi suburb of Westlands that houses The Dusit D2 hotel and several office premises including restaurants.
“Kenyan security Forces quickly responded to the incident and managed to access the complex where hundreds were evacuated to safety,” said Mohammed Hersi, Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Federation. “There have been a number of casualties and as we await further communication from the authorities within the course of the day, our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate incident.”
According to a Kenya Police statement issued by Joseph Bonnet, Inspector General, National Police Services, states that: “Following further forensic work by the DCI, as of this evening (Tuesday), the final tally is as follows:
- 6 bodies were found at the scene. One Police Officer succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
- 28 persons were admitted in various hospitals around Nairobi.
- 5 terrorsts were eliminated.
The following are the nationalities of the persons who lost their lives:
- 16 Kenyan nationals
- 1 Briton
- 1 American
- 3 persons of African descent yet to be identified.”
Speaking at a press conference, Kenya’s interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr Fred Matiang’i, stated: “I can report that the country is secure, that the nation remains calm, that Kenyans and all of our visitors are safe and should feel free to continue going about their normal businesses. The situation is under control, and the country is safe.” The Minister paid tribute to the support and collaboration of the international community in standing up to terrorism.
A press release from the South African Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned the barbaric murder of civilians believed to have been carried out by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
“The nation of Kenya has been a committed partner in the efforts to bring peace to Somalia within the African Union. For these efforts, they have been repeatedly targeted by this terrorist organization,”
“We call on all nations of the African Union to supply every possible resource to assist Kenya in attaining justice for this atrocity, and in the work that will follow to rebuild and to heal this devastating wound.
“Our thoughts and our prayers are with all who lost loved ones, all who were wounded, and the Republic of Kenya as a whole,” concludes Mokgalapa.
