US Govt, Canada, UN stand by Kenyans after terror attack

By David Ohito

Nairobi, Kenya: The World stood with Kenya and her citizens following the terror visited on innocent shoppers at Nairobi’s Westgate Shopping Mall shooting incident which killed at least 39 people and injured over 150 others.

The US government sent a statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on the Attack in Nairobi saying, “ the United States condemns in the strongest terms the despicable terrorist attack on innocent civilians today at the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, Kenya.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have been killed or injured, including the American citizens who were injured and the staff of our Embassy in Kenya who were tragically affected by this attack.  We also commend the courageous response by Kenyan security personnel and first responders, including the Kenyan Red Cross, who stepped forward to help their fellow citizens. “ Said Hayden in the statement.

Like Kenyan leaders, the US says “the perpetrators of this heinous act must be brought to justice, and we have offered our full support to the Kenyan Government to do so.”

“We will continue to stand with the Kenyan people in their efforts to confront terrorism in all its forms, including the threat posed by al-Shabaab.  This cowardly act against innocent civilians will not shake our resolve.” Hayden said.

The Canadian government simialrly expressed her solidarity with Kenya  as Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a  strong statement on the terrorist attack that took place at a shopping mall in Nairobi

" At this point, we can confirm that two Canadians have died, including one Canadian diplomat. Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms this cowardly, hateful act that apparently targeted innocent civilians who were simply out shopping." said Harper.
“The hearts and prayers of all Canadians go out to the families and friends of all those affected by this senseless tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences to those suffering the loss of Annemarie Desloges, one of our diplomats who has died in the attack." Said Harper.

“The hearts and prayers of all Canadians go out to the families and friends of all those affected by this senseless tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences to those suffering the loss of Annemarie Desloges, one of our diplomats who has died in the attack.

“Annemarie Desloges was a distinguished public servant of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration who served in Canada’s High Commission to Kenya, as a liaison officer with the Canada Border Services Agency. She will be remembered and honoured.

"Terrorist attacks like this seek to undermine the very values and way of life that Canadians cherish, and they reinforce the need for us to continue taking strong actions to protect the safety of Canadians no matter where they are in the world.
“Acts of terror cannot be allowed to go unpunished. Canadian staff at our mission are offering Kenyan authorities every possible assistance to bring the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice.” Harper said.

United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron has also condemned the heinous act of terrorism.

“I am sickened by the attack on the Westgate shopping Centre killing three British nationals. It's been done in the name of terror, not religion,” says David Cameron in his Twitter handle @David_Cameron.

United Kingdom High Commissioner Christian Turner said on his Twitter account that UK drafted UN Security Council Statement that condemns the reprehensible act of terrorism and offers solidarity with Kenyans.

He also said that he has received messages of condolences to the three British killed at Westgate Mall and echoed the words of President Uhuru that ‘we will defeat cowards with our unity'.

Israel President Shimoni says, "I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the people of Kenya on the horrific terror attack in Nairobi."

In a letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh has also expressed India's deep sense of shock and sorrow at the tragic loss of innocent lives as aresult of the brutal terror attack.

"We stand in solidarity with you and the Government and the people of Kenya in this hour of grief," said the Prime Minister.