Kenya
faced a devastating terrorist attack on Saturday September 21 that lasted for
five days in Nairobi’s upscale Westgate mall. The attackers were an estimated
10 to 15 Somali Islamist extremists who had meticulously planned the massacre.
The attack involved them slipping in assault rifles, used by Kenyan security
services, into the mall and Kenya’s borders. These attackers opened fire in the
mall shortly after 12 pm killing what is now confirmed to be at least 62
children and adults. Although the motive is still unclear, it possible that the
attack had something to do with the recent killing of Omar Hammami, a Shabab
fighter who grew up in Alabama and was fatally shot by another wing of the
Shabab less than two weeks ago. Mr. Hummmami gained unpopularity among the
Somalia community after he complained that the Shaban had become too brutal
with their fellow Muslims. In the Nairobi mall shootings, civilians were asked by
their attackers what religion they belonged to. Those who were Muslims were released
while all others were said to be killed on the spot. Dozens of families are
still unsure if their loved ones are dead or alive as they wait until more
bodies are being released.
This massacre is a sociological created
problem because the shootings were said to have been based off of religious
differences. Religion plays an important role in how any society is structured
and functions. Religion helps guide people into making decisions of whether
something is right or wrong therefore, it can help determine how people of that
society will behave. The shootings at Nairobi’s mall are an example of how
people of extremist views on religion can act out on those beliefs to do what
they believe is right. Consequently, families are paying the price for their
cause by losing their loved ones. Unlike other shootings that target men, these
shootings were not aimed at a specific gender or age group. Women, men, and
children were all victims of this horrendous crime and their families are left
to face the consequences of the shootings. Since Nairobi is the home to one of
Africa’s largest stock exchange headquarters, this could possibly lure people
away from coming to make business there. Consequently affecting the economy and
the government policies of Nairobi which will therefore impact the lives of Kenyan families.
Karina Velazquez
9/27/13
11:30 am
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