KDF soldiers sacked, jailed over Westgate mall looting

By Cyrus Ombati

Three KDF soldiers have been sacked and are facing charges over looting the Westgate Mall

NAIROBI, KENYA: Two Kenya Defence Forces soldiers have been sacked and jailed for looting during the Westgate shopping mall terror attack, the military chief has said.

Gen Julius Karangi said that a third soldier was under investigation.

He identified those sacked as Victor Otieno and Victor Ashiundu. He added Isaiah Wanjala is under probe over the allegations.

Gen Karangi said the soldiers were found with mobile phones, cameras and chargers that were “stolen” from the mall during the siege.

Gen Karangi previously said that soldiers had only taken water during the four-day siege.

“Discipline is our core driving point and we are not playing with this issue. That is why we have taken action on these soldiers. Two of them have been jailed and dismissed while a third one is under probe,” he said.

The soldiers are from the 40 Rangers in Gilgil, which is a special combat unit.

He explained that the soldiers were in the company of their commander who gave them permission to pick water from the mall during the siege.

The commander is also said to have sought permission from the Nakumatt Supermarket manager who allowed him, said Karangi.

This follows the airing of a footage that showed soldiers carrying items from the Nakumatt supermarket.

Gen Karangi said he established a board of inquiry into the now widespread allegations that there was looting at the mall before making the decision.

He said eight soldiers were captured entering the mall.

Somali Islamist group al-Shabab says it was behind the attack, which killed more than 70 lives and left more than 200 wounded.