18 of the reported 60 missing people alive

Eighteen of the 60 people reported missing after the Westgate terrorist attacks were found alive.

But six of the missing persons were confirmed dead after their bodies were retrieved by security forces in the last few days.

An updated list of the missing persons from the Red Cross, however, still shows that the whereabouts of 36 people suspected to have been at the mall during the attack remain unknown.

The Daily Nation spoke to families of some the persons reported missing who confirmed they had been reunited.

Among those still missing are several foreigners, three of them from Singapore, one each from Ethiopia, China and Germany.

Among those reported to have been found by their families are Caroline Nduku, Kennedy Oduor, Sarah Ombija, Florence Akoth, Collins Rajula, Mumtaz Karamali and Carol Owich.

Ms Seline Achieng, who had reported a missing person, on Wednesday said he had been found.

TRAVELLED BEFORE ATTACK

“We found Mr Keta. He had gone to Westgate but left earlier and travelled to his rural home before the attack that is why we reported. We are happy he is back,” said Ms Achieng in response to our queries.

Families of Vincent Imbala, Godfrey Onyango and Kennedy Owala on Wednesday said they were still missing while Ethiopian national Ayana Lashebu’s status could not be established as relatives declined to comment.

Red Cross secretary-general Abas Gullet, however, said: “The only way to verify the status of a missing persons is when the government declares the mall 100 per cent cleared.”

On Wednesday military doctors were at the City Mortuary to assist those with missing relatives with DNA tests.

The government has said 67 people were killed in the attack.