Reopened The Westgate Mall in Nairobi. (Photo by Wang Xinjun)
International Online News (Reporter Wang Xinjun): On July 18, the Westgate Shopping Center in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, reopened. On September 21, 2013, it was attacked by the extremist terrorist group Al-Shabaab, which lasted for four days, killing 67 people and completely destroying the interior. Today, nearly two years later, Kenyans hope to show their determination and confidence in solidarity against terrorism through the reopening of the Westgate Mall.
There was no special reopening ceremony, no facilities to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attack nearly two years ago, and there were no unusual expressions on the faces of people who entered the Westgate Mall through strict security checks, but this does not mean that Kenyans have forgotten the sad day of 9/21.
"Bata", a well-known kenyan shoe brand, opened a store in the Westgate Shopping Center before the terrorist attack. After the disaster, the new "Bata" store also reopened on the 18th, and the store manager, Margaret Vazila, said that she was confident in the current security situation in her country: "We believe that the safety situation has improved, and we also believe that customers will come to us to buy shoes, because our brand is trustworthy, and we will try to think of the benefits." I am also confident that the Government can do more in the area of security, that we In Kenyans will be vigilant, that we hope with optimism, and that God will protect us. ”
Along with Margaret's confidence in safety was Kenyan Police Superintendent Joseph Bonet, who walked into the renovated Westgate Mall that morning with the first customers. Speaking to the large number of media reporters who came to interview, Bonet said: "We are delighted to see this mall reopened and everyone feels good. We are here to show the world our tenacity, we will fight anyone who tries to mess up our lives, and we will never give up. Our return here also shows our confidence that we Kenyans can live as normally as ever. ”
Ben Muruy, 34, was a survivor of the horrific disaster nearly two years ago when he was driving to the parking lot at the top of the mall when bullets flew past his ears and he escaped after hiding behind a flower bed. Muruwa said he came here again on the occasion of the reopening of the Westgate Mall to witness the unity of the country: "It was one of the darkest days in our country's history, and many others lost their lives in the place where we are now, and many others were injured." I am here again to send a powerful message to the world that terrorism will never hit us. Today we are back here to restart our cause, and we will never allow terrorism to dominate our lives. ”
Many customers wait for security checks before entering the shopping mall. (Photo by Wang Xinjun)
Strict security checks. (Photo by Wang Xinjun)
Military police patrolled inside the shopping mall. (Photo by Wang Xinjun)
Interior view of the reopened Westgate Shopping Centre. (Photo by Wang Xinjun)