Terrorism is the unlawful use of force, violence, and fear against people in the chase of political targets. There have been several cases of terrorism around the continent. For example in Nigeria, the armed group Boko Haram, attack villages and kill several people. Moreover, they steal the livestock of the villagers. There was a terror attack in Kenya back in 2013 that left many families in tears.
For many years, people have linked the act of terrorism with the Islamic religion. It seems that rich Islamists brainwash young people and send them to do evil to others.
The 2013 Terror Attack in Kenya
On 21st September 2013, more than 2 masked fighters attacked the Westgate mall in Kenya’s capital city. More than 70 people including more than 2 fighters succumbed in the 4-day siege. About 200 civilians sustained injuries in the shooting. The Islamic armed group of al-Shabaab claimed to be responsible for the attack. It characterized the incident as retaliation for the Kenyan army’s arrangement in Somalia.
The Kenyan government apprehended suspects in the repercussions of the attack. However, it did not declare any person directly involved in the 4-day siege. Towards the end of that year, a court in Kenya charged over 3 Somalians with sheltering the fighters in their houses. They all pleaded not to be guilty of the charges.
Expectations from a Kenyan Judge
People are expecting Francis Andayi, a chief magistrate, to give a verdict on over 2 people. Reports say that the 3 suspects might have been the ones who helped to arrange the Westgate Mall attack 7 years ago.
What Survivors are Saying
One of the survivors recalls how a youngster fell onto her from a shot in the back. Shiksha Arora also remembers those people who were around her and how much they were afraid that day.
She says:
“People injured, people begging for help, people crying. It was something that is going to stay with me for the rest of my life. Those particular sounds will continue replaying in my mind and I’ll always have flashbacks of that moment when I was running towards the exit.”
A radio presenter who was also among the survivors of the incident wants justice for the victims.
The radio presenter says:
“I am in anticipation of this verdict. I hope on the day of the sentencing the judge rules that these people are accountable for the attack. The judge should sentence them to death and then we can move on with our lives and get the closure that we need.”
The Next Step
The 2013 attack in Kenya is one of the most traumatizing incidents that Kenyans will never forget. The families that lost their loved ones in the attack are undergoing a difficult time and they need support from the government. Countries ought to learn from Kenya and employ better strategies while fighting with armed groups. Besides, African states should also strengthen their internal security and security at borders to ensure the safety of their citizens.
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