We witnessed the true character of Kenyans

At 9.50pm on June 25, 1996, a powerful blast collapsed buildings and shattered windows in our compound at Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. That terrorist bomb claimed the lives of 18 men under my command and wounded me.

Fifteen years later, I was working in the Pentagon when a commercial airliner under the control of terrorists slammed into our building a few hundred metres away, killing 179 innocent people.

I’ve lived through the pain and sorrow associated with the indiscriminate acts perpetrated by amorphous groups and faceless cowards who believe they can achieve their objectives by using fear, intimidation, and murder of innocents.

On Saturday, I witnessed another terrorist event at the Westgate Mall just a few minutes from my apartment. While it was hard to believe the unfolding scenario was happening here in Nairobi, I was very proud of the natural response of those whose day of errands and entertainment was interrupted by grenades and gunfire.

This event revealed our many heroes — leaders who stepped up to the challenge, security forces who responded with calm and courage during the attack, and men and women who made me proud to be living and working in Kenya. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who lost family and friends and those injured and traumatised by this heinous act of terrorism.

At the same time, we have seen the true character of Kenya. Adults picked up and protected children — sometimes not their own. Security personnel directed shoppers to safety as ordinary Kenyans carried the wounded out of harm’s way. Images of people helping people were everywhere.

Kenyans joined long lines to give blood; many donated money to the Red Cross, while others brought food and water to the first responders and medical personnel.

GREAT COMMITMENT

There was no thought of nationality, ethnic origin, or religion. We were instantly all human beings who needed each other.

President Kenyatta exemplified this spirit as he stood with opposition leaders Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi calling for greater commitment to make Kenya stronger and for more resolve to fight terrorists and radical extremists.

His poignant demonstration of national unity reinforced the message that this is the “new Kenya”.

The strong national fibre that has been so evident during the Westgate attack is what makes Kenya one of the world’s premier emerging nations.

Kenya is now the entry to Africa. Our demonstrated resilience and national potential will allow us to drive massive investment in agricultural transformation, industrialisation, infrastructure creation, and broad-based development. We have shown the world our united spirit and determination to overcome all adversity.

This recent tragic experience has strengthened our resolve to support and help deliver President Kenyatta’s plan to increase employment opportunities, enhance food security, enlarge the middle class, and improve productivity.

Working together with the international community and our sovereign fund partners, we will achieve the vision of the “new Kenya” and a brighter future.

Mr Gration, a former US Ambassador to Kenya, served with the US Air Force as Major-General. Today, he is the Executive Vice-President of the Ibex Corporation, an international investment and development company.