Other malls shut after attack
A policeman carry's a baby to safety after masked gunmen stormed an upmarket mall and sprayed gunfire on shoppers and staff, killing at least six on September 21, 2013 in Nairobi. The Gunmen have taken at least seven hostages, police and security guards told an AFP reporter at the scene. AFP PHOTO/SIMON MAINA
What you need to know:
- Nakumatt’s Lifestyle mall in the central business district as well as the Junction, Karen and Galleria suburban malls were also closed in what management said was a precautionary measure.
- A spot check by the Sunday Nation last evening found fewer customers for a Saturday in those centres that had remained open.
At least five major shopping malls in Nairobi were shut following the attack by gunmen on the Westgate Mall in Westlands that left dozens of people dead.
The Village Market was the first to close. It is one of the largest malls in East Africa with 150 retail shops and 20,000 square feet of office space.
The shopping mall, some 10 km outside the city centre, is located near a major United Nations compound and several embassies.
Nakumatt’s Lifestyle mall in the central business district as well as the Junction, Karen and Galleria suburban malls were also closed in what management said was a precautionary measure.
“We have enhanced security across all the branches and we are asking customers to cooperate with the security teams,” said Mr Alfred Ng’ang’a, a spokesman for the Nakumatt supermarket chain. “It’s a precautionary measure, and we hope to reopen tomorrow morning.”
The Westgate attack is the worst in the city since the 1998 bombing of the US embassy which killed 213 people. Yesterday’s attack sent shockwaves across Nairobi and saw many shopping centres shut.
A spot check by the Sunday Nation last evening found fewer customers for a Saturday in those centres that had remained open.
Kenya Defence Forces patrolled the high-end shopping complexes frequented mostly by affluent Kenyans and expatriates and whose average daily vehicle count in their parking lots runs into hundreds.
“Due to the uncertainty in Westlands and in order to protect our customers and tenants against a possible similar situation, The Village Market has voluntarily shut for the remainder of the day awaiting further information,” Ann Gitari, the assistant marketing manager, said in a statement.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
“We can confirm that there have been no incidents or attacks on The Village Market. Our thoughts and prayers are with shoppers, tenants and law enforcement officers at Westgate Mall,” she said.
Meanwhile, the US embassy sent out an alert to registered American citizens, advising them to avoid public places.
“Due to the ongoing situation at Westgate mall, all persons are advised to avoid public venues in Nairobi. Shelter at your homes or other safe location and continue to monitor local media.”
The alert further urged all US citizens in Kenya to register online at the Smart Traveller Enrolment Programme in order to obtain updated information on travel and security in Kenya and make it easier for the embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
“The American Citizen Services Unit may be reached after-hours at +254-(0)20-363-6170. The number for the US Embassy switchboard is +254-(0)20-363-6000.”
