Leaders’ failure to show up during the Westgate memorial appalling

The first anniversary to remember the Westgate attack was a success, although most of the key parties were not represented, among them the government.

It was sad that only the relatives of attack victims saw the essence of the Sunday events as most of those in attendance had suffered from the attack in one way or the other… like business owners in the mall and relatives of those who died.

It was depressing to observe that none of our national leaders, be it political or religious, attended the event that was held a few metres from the Westgate Mall.

Kenyans expected to see President Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto or former Prime Minister Raila Odinga join other Kenyans in the commemoration.

Joining the thousands
Even if the President and the former PM were away, they should have appointed somebody to represent them during the events at Karura Forest and Eastleigh.

The most suitable person could have been the Deputy President, for the President and Cord co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula for the former premier. This never happened.

Leaders were busy addressing the referendum issue in other parts of the nation instead of joining the thousands of mourners in commemorating an incident that robbed Kenyans of their friends, relatives and wealth.

This action raises questions on how serious the government is on security issues. The leaders’ presence could have shown that they are concerned.

It is my hope that the leaders realise that absconding the event was a mistake, and strive to ensure there is security to prevent such an evil act from happening again.

DAVID MWAURA, Nyeri

NAKUMATT
As part of the first anniversary commemoration of the westgate tragedy, the Sunday Nation (September 21) carried a story by Eunice Kilonzo about Linet Moraa, whose husband worked for Nakumatt Supermarket. Kennedy Mochere, her husband, perished in the tragedy.

I was disappointed to read that Nakumatt has never contacted her to find out how she is doing. Worse still she asked whether she could replace her husband at his former workplace so that she can take better care of their three children, but Nakumatt never responded.

Here is a widow who is not even asking for handouts from her husband’s former employer! It’s a shame that they cannot come through for her. Is it because it would offer no PR opportunity before rolling cameras?
DAVID MUNGAI, Nairobi