Not being in Nairobi at the moment I am just getting
snippets of information as I log on sporadically to the internet to see what
news is coming out of Kenya, but I thought this was well written and even
though I am not there in body I am there in spirit as people try and more on
from this tragic event.
I know that the city I left nearly 4 weeks ago will be a
different city when I return in November.
It is already one week already since the tragic Westgate
siege happened. So many questions and not so many answers left in all our
minds.
There are many families broken as a result of this terrible siege. Friends,
colleagues, classmates, business associates lost.
The country has experienced a lot and lost a lot in just one week.
We have said our goodbyes to the souls we lost - through funerals over the
past two days and attended prayers for these beloved lost friends and family
members.
We have read the experiences of all the victims who
managed to escape of what they went through and saw that day.
Accounts of behaviors actions unthinkable and
unimaginable that humans can do this to fellow humans.
That is difficult to understand or even accept. But
unfortunately that was a truly horrific ordeal.
One thing we know for certain is that in such times
the whole country comes together and does all it can to help one another.
The blood donations given by Kenyans was
phenomenal.
The food, drinks, blankets, aid and medicines all
donated by citizens was amazing.
The countless hour’s volunteers and brave Kenyans
spent rescuing others trapped inside and assisting the injured as they came out
to get them quick medical aid was commendable and brilliant.
The lady who turned up early in the morning to
serve tea from her car - full of empathy love and a sense of duty and care.
The K.S.P.C.A team who saved all the dogs and cats
from "puppy lane" that was a gesture of extreme kindness. Putting
their lives at risk for those who cannot even speak of the fear they feel or
even know the dangerous surroundings they were in.
And the police and KDF and other squads who went in
there to fight to get our Westgate back and try to save as many as they could.
They had families to and they put their lives on the line.
These are the unsung heroes. The brave and true heroes
of Kenya.
As a country we have a lot of love and a lot of
unity when it comes to a tough time like this. This is something we should be
so proud of.
We must not point fingers, blame or criticize the
effort of those who were trying their best. Yes a lot of questions are left
unanswered but with time it will all make sense.
What is important now is we move to make Kenya's broken
heart full and strong and beating healthily again. We support those that have
lost loved ones as much as we can. We must help those who survived but are
enduring nightmares about that fateful day.
We must be understanding, supportive, loving and we
must act as one.
We must not live in fear. We must go about our
daily lives, go to restaurants, coffee shops, grocery shops, bars and other
malls albeit with an air of precaution and vigilance.
Those of us abroad thinking of Kenya as a holiday
destination, a wedding destination or wishing to go on safari in a beautiful
country must come experience it. Please don't cancel or change your plans or
your minds just because of this one incident. Come support us and come see with
your own eyes what a beautiful place Kenya is and how amazing the people and
culture is.
We will fight this and come out stronger and better
than ever before!
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