President Kenyatta has said the four-day siege at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi is over.
“We have ashamed and defeated our attackers,” President Kenyatta said during a televised address to the nation Tuesday.
“We have been badly hurt, but we have been brave, united and strong. Kenya has stared down evil and triumphed. We have defeated our enemies and showed the whole world what we can accomplish.”
The President said five terrorists had been killed “with gunfire” while 11 others were in police custody.
“Our losses are immense,” he said after revealing that 67 people had lost their lives in the attack.
Of these, 61 were civilians while six officers “had made the ultimate sacrifice in their line of duty”.
A total of 240 people were injured.
NATIONAL MOURNING
The President declared three days of national mourning during which the national flag will fly half-mast.
During the operation, the President said, three floors of the Westgate Mall collapsed.
“The terrorists and civilians are trapped in the debris,” he said.
The President said the process of identifying the terrorists was on going.
“Forensic experts are working to ascertain nationalities of the terrorists”, he said.
President Kenyatta promised his government will call the terrorists to account.
“These cowards will meet justice, as will their accomplices and patrons, wherever they are.”
Source-nation.co.ke
Westgate Mall siege over,We’ve ashamed and defeated the attackers-Uhuru
