Nairobi mall attack-American family in emotional reunion with rescue hero Abdul Haji.
An American mother and her three young daughters, survivors of last weekend’s bloody Westgate attack, met their rescuer yesterday for the first time since their escape from the besieged Kenyan shopping mall.
More Details
Abdul Haji, a Kenyan businessman and hero of the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, was reunited with the Walton family—whom he helped rescue during the siege.
In a poignant meeting at their Nairobi home, Haji embraced Katherine Walton and met her four-year-old daughter, Portia, whom he had guided to safety during the attack.
Portia’s courageous run toward Haji, captured in a widely circulated photograph, became an iconic symbol of hope amidst the chaos.
Katherine expressed immense gratitude, stating it was a relief to know someone was there to get them out.
During the attack, Haji had initially entered the mall to find his brother, Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji, who was trapped inside.
However, upon seeing the peril faced by others, he chose to stay and assist in rescuing numerous civilians. His actions have been celebrated both in Kenya and internationally, highlighting the impact of ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances.
In 2021, Abdul Haji transitioned into public service, being elected as the Senator for Garissa County, continuing his legacy of leadership and service to the community .
