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Emotional ceremony as Kenyans honour Westgate victims

The victims also got a chance to plant flowers at the already sprouting trees in honour of their loved ones. Photo/Francis Mbatha.

The victims also got a chance to plant flowers at the already sprouting trees in honour of their loved ones. Photo/Francis Mbatha.

NAIROBI Kenya, Sept 21- It was an emotional moment in Karura forest when hundreds of Westgate victims and family members converged on Sunday to commemorate the first anniversary of the Westgate terror attack.

Tears flowed freely when the family members were given a chance to recall the last memories with their loved ones who were killed during the September 21 attack last year.

The victims also got a chance to plant flowers at the already sprouting trees in honour of their loved ones.

During the ceremony, which had been organised by friends of Karura forest and other organisations, a monument with all 67 names of those who were killed was unveiled.

“She was the pillar of my life…my best friend,” Lydia Selete said of her 22 year old younger sister Mary Gloria Atamba who died at Westgate where she had stall. ““I never went to church for three months after the incident because I felt God had disappointed me, but God is amazing I am slowly healing. I have resumed now.”

Abhi Singh who lost his son and mother was also present, holding two flowers.

“I am here to mourn the loss of my loved ones…it’s great to come and honour their memories,” he said.
Another victim Elly Wele said it has been difficult to get back to life after the tragedy “It’s a very emotional day, its worse for those who lost their loved ones.”

Others called on the government to enhance security in the country to avert a repeat of the deadly incident.

Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Abbas Gullet who among the key speakers said they have learnt many lessons from the attack.

“We have now protocols as Kenya Red Cross on emergencies like terrorist attacks and so on,” he said.
He said the country was in a much better position to deal with a similar situation than it was prior to the attack.

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