Leaders from different political divides came together in a show of unity and togetherness as a nation during the looming crisis at the Westgate mall in Nairobi.
President Uhuru kenyatta held a News Conference on Sunday afternoon where leaders from different political divides came together as they chated the way forward in the Westgate attack that has so far claimed 59 lives and injured more than 175 others.
Among the leaders present at the press briefing were Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi, Evans Kidero.
The President urged Kenyans to keep all the affected people in their thoughts and prayers and lend a helping hand to them.
“No one should lose their life so needlessly, so senselessly, and no family should have to receive news that their loved one has been killed by a criminal bunch of cowards. said President Kenyatta who lost his nephew and his fiancee in the Saturday afrenoon attack.
The President said that as a leader and Kenyan, he felt the pain of every life lost and shared with the nation’s grief.
“Take heart that you are not alone as you bear your hurt; we are praying for your quick recovery,” he said.
More than 1,000 people have since been rescued from the Mall.
The President said that there are still 10 to 15 armed terrorists inside the building as well as many unarmed, badly shaken, innocent civilians.
He said there were also reports of women as well as male attackers in the mall.
The President noted that the Al-Shabaab terror group had claimed responsibility for the cowardly act of terror on social media but he however said that investigations are underway to conclusively establish those responsible for full accountability.
“They shall not get away with their despicable, beastly acts. Like the cowardly perpetrators now cornered in the building, we will punish the masterminds swiftly and painfully.” said the Head of State.
President Kenyatta called on all Kenyans to stand courageously and united.
By Beth Nyaga
