Village Market shopping mall shut down after 14 Riverside attack

The Village Market shopping mall in Nairobi has temporarily been shut down following a terror attack at 14 Riverside Drive in Westlands.

The mall is located in Gigiri, approximately 10km from Riverside, which according to Google Maps is a 27-minute drive.

In a statement posted on social media, Village Market termed the move as “standard” protocol linked to “security.”

“We pray for the safety of all those affected by the situation at 14 Riverside, and for the first responders and security services on site,” the statement read in part.

pic.twitter.com/FdkyiqL6FU

— VILLAGE MARKET (@VillageMarket) January 15, 2019

According to international media outlets, militia group Al-Shabaab has since claimed responsibility over the attack that has left many feared fatally injured.

Al Jazeera reported that the terrorist cell’s military operations spokesman said: “We are currently conducting an operation in Nairobi.”

Reuters identified the man as Abdiasis Abu Musab, quoting him as having said: “We are behind the attack in Nairobi. The operation is going on. We shall give details later.”