Death toll rises to 21 in Riverside Drive terror attack

The death toll in Tuesday’s terrorist attack at 14 Riverside Drive complex in Westlands, Nairobi has risen to 21 from the initial 14, according to Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet.

Boinnet, in a press address at 10 pm on Wednesday, said six more bodies were found at the scene with one police officer succumbing to injuries while undergoing treatment.

The IG pointed out that the 21 fatalities include 16 Kenyans, one Briton, one American national and three persons of African descent who are yet to be identified.

The IG said 28 persons were wounded during the attack and were admitted to various hospitals in Nairobi.

Boinnet also confirmed that two key suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack.

“Subsequent investigations by the DCI have yielded arrest of two key suspects believed to have facilitated the attack and are in custody assisting Police with the investigations,” he said.

In a televised address on Wednesday morning, President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed that 14 people had been killed in the attack at the 14 Riverside Dusit complex.

Mr. Kenyatta also confirmed that all the terrorists involved in the attack were eliminated and 700 civilians were evacuated from the complex.

“The security operation at Dusit is over and the terrorists eliminated. As of this moment, we have confirmation that 14 innocent lives were lost trough the hands of these murderous terrorists with other injured,” said Mr. Kenyatta in a televised address to a shocked nation.

The President said that security forces would seek out and arrest all those who were involved in the terrorist attack either by funding or facilitating the terrorists.

“We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act. We will pursue relentlessly wherever they will be until they are held to account,” he assured.

“We are a nation that never forgets those who hurt our children,” said Mr. Kenyatta.

The Head of State also mourned the dead and the injured.