Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, has said that so far 14 people have lost their lives in the terror attack that hit Kenyas capital city, Nairobi along Riverside Drive, yesterday. The Head of State also declared the end to the siege by suspected militants at Dusit hotel complex, saying that all the terrorists had been eliminated. “The country has lost 14 innocent people in this terror attack. We wish the injured quick recovery, and as a nation, we will continue to pray for them,” Kenyatta said in a televised statement on Wednesday morning. Over seven-hundred civilians were evacuated to safety from the compound since the start of the attack through the early hours of this morning, he said. Kenyatta commended Kenyans who took to social media to spread hope and criticise insensitive reporting by some media organisations. “You have shown the world bravery, patriotism and love,” Kenyatta told Kenyans who criticised insensitive reports. President Kenyatta also urged Kenyans to secure their communities and ensure to inform security organs of any suspicious actions. “We are a nation that never forgets those who hurt our children. We will pursue relentlessly those involved in the planning and execution of this attack,” he said, adding that; “Fellow Kenyans, we all have a duty to secure our families, community and nation.” “I urge you to ensure that you inform the police of any suspicious individuals or actions around you.” Explosion and gunfire were heard at around 3:15 pm, on Tuesday, from Dusit Hotel in Riverside. According to Kenya Police, the attackers at 14 Riverside Drive forced their way in by shooting at guards, hurled explosives into vehicles and went into DusitD2 Hotel. Somali militant group al-Shabab claimed the responsibility for the attack. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
