SOMBRE MOOD IN NAIROBI AND DAR ON NEWS OF OSAMA DEMISE
Hundreds of families and thousands of friends of those who perished in the 1998 bombings of the US Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, as well as those of victims of other Al Qaida inspired terrorist acts in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, showed relief on the news of Osama bin Laden’s death at the hand of US special forces. In Nairobi many flocked to the memorial site where the names of each and every victim is engraved to remind us, today and forever, of the mindless and senseless killing of innocents. Hundreds more were maimed, blinded and disabled for life in the bomb attack, and few, according to a report from Nairobi, showed any joy over the news though expressed satisfaction that the mass murderer had at last met justice.
Vigilance and security in Eastern Africa were stepped up when the news broke yesterday to prevent any retaliation of Osama supporters and in view of the Somali Al Shabab links to Al Qaida, and the presence of active cells suspected roaming in Eastern Africa in search of targets, this indeed is a necessary precaution to ensure the safety or our citizens and of our visitors.
In memory of the victims of the 1998 and subsequent terror acts, may their souls continue to rest in peace – not a wish this correspondent can extend to Osama though who died a mass murderer, a global terrorist and as a disgrace to Islam.
