Kenya is marking a year since a handful of Islamic extremists laid a 4-day siege on the Westgate Mall, in Nairobi, killing about 67 people.
The Somali Islamist group, al Shabaab had claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming it was a rebuttal to Kenya’s military operations in Somalia.
The militants had hired a shop at the mall in the weeks leading up to the siege, which gave them access to service lifts, enabling them to stockpile weapons and ammunition.
Having pre-positioned weapons they were able to re-arm quickly and repel the security forces.
A memorial plaque will be unveiled and a candle-lit vigil held.
On Sunday, relatives of the victims will lay wreaths at a garden in the forest where 67 trees were planted after the attack.
Interfaith prayers will also be held at the site.
“We expect the victims’ families and friends to come out and be part of the healing process,” event organiser, Rajesh Shah, was quoted as saying by AFP.
However, the country is on security high alert ahead of the commemorations.
“We are prepared in case of anything. Specialised units are on the ground and we have intensified patrols during this period of the anniversary,” Kenyan police chief, David Kimaiyo, said.
