Six years ago, on a month, date, and day like today , Saturday, terrorists attacked Westgate Mall in Nairobi, at least 71 people were killed.
The incident which occurred on September 21, 2o13 also left at least 175 people with injuries that will forever serve as a reminder of how they cheated death.
On that fateful day, four masked gunmen attacked the shopping mall and embarked on massive shootings.
Of the total deaths were 62 civilians, five Kenyan soldiers, and four attackers.
The extremist Islamic group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the incident, which it characterised as retribution for the Kenyan military’s deployment in the group’s home country of Somalia.
Dozens of people were arrested in connection to the incident.
On 4 November 2013, a Kenyan court charged four Somali nationals with harbouring the gunmen in their homes, with each pleading not guilty.
In January this year, a court found that three suspects sued over the attack had a case to answer bringing to an end any conviction of those behind the heinous act.
Many Kenyans took to social media on Saturday to remember the incident with some still mourning over the lost souls.
6 years later and nothing much has been done in regards to the #Westgate attack. We lost so many souls amongst them was Ruhila Adatia one of the best talents on radio. I really miss her voice on Kiss. 😭 pic.twitter.com/eqfIGNNTFs
— MESHEK (@Kevlan_) September 21, 2019
A section of the online user castigated the government for failing to nabb the terrorist adding that it was an injustice to the lost souls.
extremely disappointing why there has been no conclusive investigations into the happenings of the westgate…..we saw KDF looting property and disagreements before the RECCE squad moved in .The government of Kenya owes Kenyans an explanation. #Westgate
— Eng________mose🇰🇪🇰🇪 (@kymm_paul) September 21, 2019
However, the security officer who took part in the rescue operations were lauded for their heroic acts with some questioning why they were not feted for a national award.
He has never be honered but githeri man was beyond my imagination..what a shame #Westgate pic.twitter.com/La6iAX8oCW
— Timothy Manoise (@ti_manoise) September 21, 2019
Here is how Kenyas remembered that fateful incident:
May their soul continue Resting in Eternal Peace#Westgate#KOTLoyals pic.twitter.com/donXCnFkbB
— Ng'ang'a Thuku (@ngash_thuku) September 21, 2019
Ruhila Adatia made gossip on Kiss TV and radio more fun her voice was on another level 💔💔💔💔 may her soul continue resting in everlasting kingdom #Westgate
— nicamorih wambuhi (@NWambuhi) September 21, 2019
A Saturday afternoon like today 6 years ago I went to #Westgate to buy tickets for Safaricom 7s rugby only for Al-Shabaab militants to attack the Mall.
We give thanks to God for the gift of life and pray the bereaved families find peace. pic.twitter.com/Fsjokzmt5G— POOR MAN WITH MONEY (@damonalleki) September 21, 2019
#Westgate is being put in remembrance because it was a rich man affair. Tell me when we remember the poor soldiers and civilians killed in terrorist attacks? We either cursed or smitten with stupidity.#KOTLoyals
— Ginson murangiri (@GinsonMurangiri) September 21, 2019
so sad that justice never prevail and the perpetrators will always walk free despite the many lives lost.Something needs to be done,6years down the line and still counting😔😔 #Westgate
— Miss B A R A Z A (@ma_baraza) September 21, 2019
Our memories with all who lost their beloved ones during this attack. May the government lay down measures to curb insecurity all over the country. The common mwananchi is also prone to attacks by armed gangs everywhere in the country.#Westgate
— Musya Ngei (@musya_ngei) September 21, 2019