Kenya marked the second anniversary of the innocent lives lost to the cowardice attack on civilians by al-Shabab Islamist militia that lasted for four days. The insurgents went for a soft target by launching their heinous attack at the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi.
As a proof of the country’s resilience, the mall opened one year after and Kenyans from all walks of life continued shopping at the mall. Showing they will not be cowed by the acts of terror, as the government vows to beef up security across the country.
The 67 people who lost their lives two years ago to the act of terror at the Westgate Mall are remembered through a memorial plaque erected last year. As Kenyans and foreigners continue to flock into the mall to do their regular shopping, the Westgate Mall has contracted security from Israel’s detectives.
The local police force has also intensified their surveillance by adopting new surveillance technology including better CCTV monitoring systems. According to the National Police Service Command Center, security in and around Nairobi has been beefed up.
Undercover operations have also been launched in areas deemed to be hotspots where the Islamist group and serve as a potential recruit for the terrorist groups. At the same time, the police force is urging members of the public to be vigilant of their surrounding especially when out in public places like malls, schools, public transport systems, churches and commercial areas.