Sports personalities have rallied behind Kenya, offering prayers and support following Tuesday’s terror attack at Dusit complex in Westlands, Nairobi.
Tottenham Hotspur and Harambee Stars midfielder Victor Wanyama has taken to social media to condole with the victims of the Riverside DusitD2 attack.
Through a message on his Twitter, Wanyama said he is standing with all those affected.
Praying for everyone affected by the #RiversideAttack in Nairobi pic.twitter.com/SE8AKHLIx9
— Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) January 15, 2019
‘Praying for everyone affected by Riverside attack,’ he tweeted.
His Taifa Stars (Tanzania) equal Mbwana Samatta who plays as a striker for Belgian side KRC Genk tweeted in Kiswahili, condemning the incident.
“Poleni Wanakenya, poleni waathirika na wote waliopotelewa sis sote tunalaani tukio hilo,” the former TP Mazembe player said.
Japan-based Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga said “My prayers goes out to all those affected by the Riverside attack. May the Lord give us strength during this trying times.”
President of Tanzania football giants Simba SC Mohammed Dewji, who late last year survived a kidnapping ordeal, stood with Kenyans.
Kenyan Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks Tweeted that “We pray for our country and all those affected at the Riverside attack. As a united people we shall overcome this attempts to spread fear amongst us. God guide and protect Kenya.”
Al Shabaab on Tuesday attacked the hotel complex in Westlands area, in a raid that reminded Kenyans of the September 21, 2013 Westgate Mall attack.
Security agencies were praised for their quick and coordinated response to save those affected.
Emergency service vehicles snaked their way into the area, with Kenya Red Cross offering on-site and required medical attention.
Police say the area is still a crime scene while telling the public, especially politicians to stay away.
Six heavily armed gunmen attacked the luxury hotel and office complex on Tuesday afternoon. Many people in the building were shot and others held hostage. Panic-stricken people could be seen fleeing into the streets.
The elite Recce Squad battled the gunmen and rescued people who are were trapped in their offices.
At least five bodies were lying at the reception area and other victims were rushed to nearby hospitals including MP Shah, Avenue the Aga Khan, Nairobi and Kenyatta National Hospital. There were no official tallies of dead or injured.
Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said that an attack was a suspected militant attack.