UN community in Kenya salutes Kenya's resiliency in wake of DusitD2 terror attack

Car owners arrive at DusitD2 to collect their cars a week after the terror attack. [Beverlyne Musili/Standard]

Foreign missions have lauded Kenya's resolve to remain firm in the wake of the terrorist attack on the14 Riverside Drive complex that left 21 people dead and scores injured.

Speaking at a meeting convened by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, the foreign envoys pledged their continued support for Kenya.

"We stand with Kenya. France has suffered similar deadly terrorist attacks in the past. We are re-affirming our confidence in Destination Kenya. Kenya will move forward. It is a beautiful country and we urge all to continue discovering it," said French Ambassador Aline Kuster-Menager.

Mrs Kuster-Menager commended local security and emergency responders for moving swiftly to contain the situation "when it mattered most during the attack".

Colombian Ambassador Elizabeth Ines said terrorism was a global problem and not synonymous with Kenya, adding that her own nation had suffered an attack targeted at the police.

"We the Colombian Government condemn the attacks in Nairobi and wish to express our heartfelt condolences with the people of Kenya. Terrorism does not have borders. We suffered an attack at a police school with many victims," said Ms Ines.

Friendly nations

The envoy added that there was a need for friendly nations to continue collaborating to defeat terrorism.

"We are encouraged by the resilience shown by Kenyans in the wake of the heinous attack last week. We wish to salute Kenyans for standing brave and saying 'down with terrorism'."

United Nations Resident Coordinator Siddarth Chartejee said the UN family would continue to stand with Kenya and offer any possible support.

"We have the UN Habitat, UN Environment and 23 different organisations domiciled in Nairobi. We have a further 15,000-strong work force living and working in Nairobi. Kenya is home for us and we remain proud to call Kenya home."

Mr Chartejee added that the world was plagued by challenges of violent extremism and all nations must unite to defeat terror.

Mr Balala said that while Kenya was saddened at the loss of lives and injuries suffered, a sense of normalcy had returned to the city.

"We are delighted at the support shown by the international community and the steps that the Government has put in place to ensure safety for all. We wish to acknowledge this gesture by the international community to stand with us. I am extremely happy that key source market nations will not issue travel advisories," Balala said.