The terrorists are seen walking casually during their killing spree on Sept 21. Photo/ FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 – The Joint Committee of the National Assembly probing the security lapse that contributed to the Westgate mall terror attack is already expressing frustration in getting credible information from members of public which may shed light on the planning of the four-day siege.
Committee Co-Chairman Asman Kamama said the only one of the three civilians who appeared before them on Monday provided helpful information or evidence on the terror attack that left 67 people dead and over 200 injured.
He said the other two members of the public who appeared before the House team on Tuesday were unwilling to take an oath but simply presented their memoranda and left.
The committee has been receiving information from the civilians behind closed doors after the Defence and Foreign Relations Chairman Gethenji Ndung’u, who co-chairs the joint team, claimed that matters of national security cannot be discussed in public.
The three had separately submitted memoranda to the House team claiming to have information on the terror attack.
Kamama is now calling on members of public who may have information to appear before the House team and help with the probe.
Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko who claimed he helped two women report a plot to attack the mall to the police and then the National Intelligence Service is expected to appear before the House team on Thursday.
The Joint Committee which brings together MPs sitting in the National Security and Administration committee and that on Defence and Foreign Relations will next week begin hearing from the country’s security and intelligence chiefs and experts on terrorism.
The joint team will also conduct public hearings in Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and refugee camps before returning to Nairobi to prepare a report which will be submitted to the House for adoption.
The committee has a month to submit its report to the House for MPs debate and approve or reject its recommendations.
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