Leaders acknowledge nationals among dead

A Ghanaian statesman, a Canadian diplomat and the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal boss are among scores killed during the deadly terrorist attack on the Westgate Mall.

The British, Ghanaian, French and Canadian governments confirmed that their nationals were among those killed on Saturday during the attack on the shopping mall.

About the French citizens, their President, Francois Hollande said: “Two French citizens have been killed in this vile act which has left numerous victims.”

A statement from the Ghana High Commission in Nairobi said that Ghanaian statesman and literary giant, Prof Kofi Awoonor, was at the Mall with his son who sustained injuries, but survived and is currently undergoing treatment.

Prof Awoonor, 79, was a former chairman of the Council State between 2009 and 2012 and author of “This Earth, My Brother” published by African Writers Series.

Ghanaian President John Mahama, described his death “as a sad twist of fate,” to place him at the wrong place at the wrong time.

According to the Guardian, “Prof” as he was fondly referred to by his peers was in Nairobi to take part in the Storymoja Hay Literary Festival, a celebration of pan-African writing and storytelling.

The report quoted fellow Ghanaian poet Nii Ayikewei Parkes recalling how they realised something was wrong when Prof Awoonor failed to turn up for a session at which poets from West and East Africa were due to perform a reading.

A memorial tribute was held at Nairobi’s National Museum yesterday. Also killed during the attack was Canadian diplomat Annemarie Desloges. In a statement, Canadian ministers, John Baird (Foreign Affairs), Chris Alexander (Citizenship and Immigration) and Public Safety’s Steven Blaney, described the late Desloges as a distinguished public servant who served the country with distinction.

“Canada condemns this senseless act of violence in the strongest of terms, and we call on Kenyan authorities to bring the perpetrators of this terrorist attack to justice” the statement read. Another Canadian killed was Vancouver businessman Naguib Damji.

Three other Canadians, including Desloges’ husband, Robert Munk, were injured. Mr Munk was however treated and discharged, but the other two are still in hospital.

President Kenyatta’s nephew who also died during the terror attack was identified as Mbugua Mwangi and his fiancée, Rosemary Wahito.

Mr Mbugua is the son to Catherine Mwangi, a sister to nominated Senator Beth Mugo and former politician Ngengi Muigai who are first cousins of the President.

The chairman of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal and Communications Commission of Kenya director Peter Simani was also among those killed.

Another victim was Rajan Lalit Kumar Solanki, founder of the popular food blog Pika Chakulawho had gone to the Westgate Food Court for the Super Chef competition.

He was gunned down in a crossfire between the terrorists and security forces.

A senior manager at the Bidco Oil Refineries, Mr Mitul Shah, was also among those killed.