Westgate shooting in Kenya Kills 39

An armed group stormed an upmarket shopping mall in the Kenyan capital Nairobi Saturday, killing at least three people and sparking a fierce gun battle, police said.

Police said they had surrounded the Westgate mall, which is popular with wealthy Kenyans and expatriates, and urged residents to stay away from the area.

The motive of the attack was not immediately clear, but Kenyan media said the attackers may have been either armed robbers or "terrorists".

AFP reporters at the scene said the surrounding area had been sealed off.

"There's an incident at Westgate and we're urging the public to keep off the area," Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said.

"Our officers are on the ground carrying out an evacuation of those inside as they search for the attackers who are said to be inside," he said.

"The attackers have so far injured four people. We will provide you with regular updates as we try to save the situation."

Another police official said: "Officers are approaching the situation with caution because there are innocent civilians inside."

"We have managed to evacuate some people to safety. We urge Kenyans to avoid the area as we pursue the thugs," Kenya's Interior Ministry said on Twitter.

"We have dispatched air surveillance and we confirm that they are armed criminals. We want to know who they are," said Internal Security Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has addressed the country following the terrorist attack at Westgate Mall, Nairobi. The president revealed that he had lost close family members in the attack. The president also announced that 39 people had died and 150 sustained injuries.  He exhorted Kenyans for volunteering to help those who were injured in the attack. The president also assured the victims that the government will give them support, " the government will ensure your lives return to normal as soon as possible"
 "We have overcome terrorists before, we will defeat them again".  The president said defiantly, "terrorism is a philosophy of cowards, and terrorists acts will not cow Kenyans". He added.
The president urged Kenyans to unite to see through, " the dark moments" .The president also revealed that the a multi-agency operation is on-going.He said that the priority of the operation remains to safeguard  the lives of the people being held hostage by the terrorists. The president also said that the terrorists will be brought to book. He urged Kenyans to remain calm and to be vigilant. He also announced that security has been heightened across the country.
- See more at: http://the-star.co.ke/news/article-136769/breaking-news-we-will-defeat-terrorists-president-kenyatta#sthash.TOooIwgu.dpuf

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At least 39 dead, many injured in Westgate Mall shootings

21:45 First Lady Margaret Kenyatta: "As a society, we are wounded and we weep; but as a nation, we must rise and prevail."

21:40 Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohamed condemns the "inhumane and vicious" attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi.

"The attack is aimed at destroying our democratic values and our way of life," she said in a statement issued by Kenya's UN Mission in New York. But it only goes to strengthen our resolve to fight terrorism and promote peace and justice in our nation."

"Our determination to continue to play an active and constructive role in bringing regional peace and security remains resolute.”    

She said the Kenyan government "is determined to bring the siege to a swift conclusion."

21:12 Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka: "I urge all Kenyans to remain united against such a horrible attack by cowardly enemies of Kenya. My condolences to families that lost loved ones and quick recovery to those injured." 

21:08 The US condemns "this senseless act of violence" at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi.

"Our condolences go out to the families and friends of all victims," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said.

21:00 UK Prime Minister David Cameron has spoken to President Kenyatta following the Westgate Mall attack.

20:52 BREAKING: al-Shabaab claims responsibility for Westgate attack. A second attack took place at Mogadishu’s Bakata market at 11am, same time as Nairobi one

20:40 IG Kimaiyo: "1 gunman wounded, while several others pinned down."

20:15 Kenya Police: "We have detained the Westgate Mall attack suspect in hospital."

20:00 Diamond Plaza, a shopping mall in Parklands, temporarily closed as a precaution. Nakumatt closes all its branches in Nairobi for the night.

19:38 "Our security is important. We ask all to cooperate with the security agencies not only now but when they have information they feel can help prevent such tragedies in future," says Mr Ruto.

19:37 Deputy President William Ruto: "The Government will bring the siege to end and will get to the bottom of the attack. We will bring to account the perpetrators and their accomplices."

19:23 At least 39 dead, over 60 injured, Red Cross secretary general Gullet tells Easy Fm.

19:15 The AFP news agency quotes a police officer saying the attack was carried out by a well-organised "terror gang".

19:12 Mr Iringo: "We have also tightened security in all shopping malls in the city and we reassure Kenyans that Govt will not relent on this war."

19:02 Internal Security PS Mutea Iringo: "The government is now fully in charge of the situation. The security services will soon bring this matter of grave concern under control."

19:00 Police have detained one injured suspect.

18: 48 Mr Kimaiyo: "We are making a good progress. We will be issuing an official statement shortly."

18:45 "Rescued quite a number of hostages. Forensic probe is underway. I urge public, local and international media to stay away for their own safety," says Mr Kimaiyo.

18:38 CS Joseph ole Lenku: "We do not want to speculate on who did what but one thing I can say is that the perpetrators will be brought to book."

18:25 United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says he is "following closely and with alarm the attack on a shopping mall in Nairobi". (READ: World leaders condemn attack.)

18:08 Military and the Kenya Police Airwing choppers providing aerial support. Operation mounted by the military, GSU, AP and regular police underway, reports Zadock Angira

18:05 British Foreign Secretary William Hague: "UK ties with Kenya very close. Appalled by the attack and my thoughts are with everyone affected by it."

17:59 Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku set to address a news conference at the shopping mall.

17:45 Nation reporters at the scene have counted 26 bodies. Government appeals to Kenyans to donate blood.

17:24 The Interior Ministry asks the public to leave the Westgate area for security reasons as the military joins the operation.

17:22 Politician Martha Karua: "My condolences to the families of those who died in the senseless and cruel attack on westgate shopping mall, sympathies to the injured."

17:21 Mr Odinga: "My deepest condolences to the families of all those who have lost loved ones. We are also praying for the quick recovery of the injured."

17:20 "I urge Kenyans to keep calm in the face of today's unfortunate events and to cooperate with the security services," says former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

17:07 "A very sad day for Kenya with the Westgate shooting. Keeping the victims, the affected and their families in prayer," says Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed.

17:03 Kenya Red Cross secretary general Abbas Gullet tells Easy FM that at least 20 people have been killed and 50 injured in the shopping mall attack.

16:40 A police military chopper lands near the shopping mall, reports Zadock Angira.

16:35 Politician Peter Kenneth on Twitter: "I wish a quick recovery to those injured in the Mathare and Westgate attacks. May the departed souls rest in peace."

16:19 The Aga Khan and MP Shah hospitals appeal for blood.

16:11 Inspector General David Kimaiyo: "We are not taking chances and rescued hostages are screened."

16:10 "This is a multi-agency security operation. I cannot name those involved," says Mr Esipisu.

16:05 State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu says President Kenyatta is being briefed on the situation at the Westgate Mall.

16:00 The Nation's Zadock Angira reports that he has counted 11 bodies at the scene.

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Plane Crash In Kenya Kills Ministers Saitoti and Ojode

We would like to join our fellow Kenyans during this dark moment of our beloved country in morning the two cabinet ministers and other 4 Kenyans who perished in the 9am morning plane crash in Ngong Hills.

Saitoti and  Orwa Ojode were aboard the helicopter make -Eurocopter AS 350 which crashed shortly after 9am in Kibiku area in Ngong. The two leaders, their bodyguards and the two pilots perished in the accident. The helicopter is said to have exploded on impact.

President of Kenya Mwai Kibaki describes their death as devastating loss to the country and the Minister Saitoti and his deputy Orwa Ojode will be remembered for the reach service to the country.

The pilots were identified as Captain Nancy Gituanja and Captain Luke Oyugi. Saitoti and Ojode bodyguards, inspector Joshua Tonkei and  sergeant Thomas Murimi also died in the accident.

According to eye witnesses, the plane was seen going round and round before a loud bang. The Red cross officials at the plane crash scene confirmed that all the bodies on the plane were burnt beyond recognition.

The Vice President Kalonzo  and Commissioner of Police Matthew Iteere said investigations have been launched  to establish the cause of the accident.

The Chopper left early in the morning from Wilson Aiport and was headed towards Ndhiwa in Homabay County before the tragedy occurred.

It’s suspected that the plane crash was caused by the nature of the flying zone being a thick forest. The Cabinet Minister and His Colleague were headed for an official visit in Ndiwa constituency, Orwa Ojodes home.

Parts of the wreckage scene including pistols were visible at the crash scene.
Military police arrived at the scene as well as top government officials among them Speaker of the National Assembly  Kenneth Marende, AP Commandant Kinuthia Mbugua, PPO Nairobi Area Anthony Kibuchi.

The PM Raila Odinga cancelled the Rally that was scheduled for Sunday Morning to join other government officials at the accident scene.

Similar plane accident happened the same day four years ago claiming lives of senior officials in Kenya Government including Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Lorna Loboso on 10th June, 2008.  

Many international radio and TV stations have aired the breaking news. One of the Aljazeera correspondents shared that there is a possibility of foul play since the Minister had declared to run for presidential elections in the next general elections in Kenya.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Lee Funeral Home. 

May the Lord give their families strength and bless our beloved country.

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