Kenyatta: Nairobi hotel attackers have been ‘eliminated’

This image, captured from hotel closed circuit TV shows two armed men entering DusitD2 complex
Cars are seen on fire at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya January 15, 2019. REUTERS/Baz Ratner

An attack carried out by suspected al-Shabab militants in Nairobi is over and all the attackers have been “eliminated”.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the nation Wednesday morning. He also said 14 civilians were killed in the attack.

This image, captured from hotel closed circuit TV shows two armed men entering DusitD2 complex

Gunmen attacked the Dusit D2 compound in the Westlands district of Kenya’s capital on Tuesday afternoon.

Officials originally announced the end of the siege hours after it began, but gunfire and explosions were heard again early on Wednesday.

Security forces combed their way through the building where frightened workers had barricaded themselves inside. hiding under tables and chairs and in bathrooms.

In the early hours of Wednesday, more than 100 people were rescued. About 30 people are being treated at Nairobi hospitals, media reports say.

Mr. Kenyatta chaired a National Security Council meeting Wednesday aimed at finding ways to make the country safer from terrorist attacks. He also says Kenyan citizens have a role to play in keeping each other safe.

“Fellow citizens, we all have a duty in securing our country. Security is a joint responsibility between citizens and Government”, Kenyatta said. “We secure our families, communities and our nation by building a seamless partnership. We should not allow these people any shelter among us. I urge you to make sure that you inform the police and authorities of any suspicious individuals or actions you have noticed.”

An investigation is already well underway to learn who helped plan and finance Tuesday’s incident. The government says “every single person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of the heinous act will be relentlessly wherever they will be until they are held to account.”