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Let us all remember victims of terrorism
Michael Macharia points his father's name during the 10th anniversary in memory of the victims of the August 7,1998 bomb blast in Nairobi.
What you need to know:
- The names on the concrete are a constant reminder that terrorism should be fought fiercely and forcefully.
Today is International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
Here at home, it poignantly coincides with August, the month in which Kenya was awash with blood birth in 1998 as terrorists brought down the US embassy building in Nairobi with a deafening explosion on August 7, killing at least 200 people and injuring many more.
This day was established by the United Nations, in its resolution 72/165 of of 2017, in honour of terrorism victims and survivors.
In Kenya, we commemorate not only the first major terrorist attack in 1998 but also the subsequent ones — such as Dusit Hotel, Garisa University College, El-Adde in Somalia and and a series of ambushes hes hes hes hes on Mandera, Garissa and other places in the coastal and northeastern region that deprived families of their loved ones.
The scars are permanent even though the memory fade, albeit stealthily. When I walk into the August 7th Memorial Park in Nairobi, exactly where the US embassy was, my heart weeps.
The names on the concrete are a constant reminder that terrorism should be fought fiercely and forcefully.
It is likened to a disease that eats from toe to head and eventually kills the victim if not diagnosed early and treated.
In India, it is also a painful remembrance. Terrorism plucked from the nation one of the most powerful figures in the government, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, assassinated on May 21, 1991 by a female suicide bomber of the terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Terrorism victims are often forgotten immediately after the attack and this might have undesirable consequences as they struggle to fend for themselves.
Terrorists know no boundary. We must all be vigilant and report any case of suspect individual, group or activity.
James Onyango, Siaya
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Kenya’s security forces have been on high alert along the porous lengthy border with Somalia following a series of targeted attacks by the Al-Shabaab militants, especially in the coastal and northeastern regions.
However, the terrorists might take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to kill innocent citizens since the government concentrates highly in controlling the virus than any other thing.
The Al-Shabaab, which is affiliated to al-Qaeda, has carried out several attacks along the border over the past years, the latest being early this year on Kamuthe Village in Garrissa County.
The government should,therefore, deploy adequate security personnel in theses areas and also the cities and towns. This will ensure protection of all the citizens, amid the overnight curfew.
Hinda Edwin, Kisumu
