(PHOTO: al-Shabaab predators inside Westgate mall in Nairobi)
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Three sets of facts clearly show that Kenyan authorities have bungled the response to the al-Shabaab terrorist attack on Westgate.
Firstly, by calling in special operators of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to respond to al-Shebaab attack at Westgate, Kenya amply demonstrated that it lacks a credible specialized antiterrorist police unit tactically trained and drilled to professionally deal decisively with such events.
Secondly, contradictory statements issued by various authorities evinced "amateur hour" big time and the need to establish a centralized emergency communications command able to brief the press and the public on unfolding events.
Thirdly, with each passing hour, it more and more appears that some of the al-Shabaab commandos might have escaped--either with the first wave of rescued shoppers who came out; or through other routes: ac vents or sewer conduits (if any)--leaving behind elements to cover their retreat.
(For more on this bungling, see http://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2013/09/attack-kenya-0?fsrc=scn/tw/te/bl/claimscredibility)
This kind of first-response incompetence is quite common throughout Africa and needs to be urgently addressed by governments and their bilateral and multilateral partners. Ad-hoc assistance like the one allegedly provided at the scene at Westgate by the Israeli security operatives won't cut it.
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PHOTO CREDITS: Photo via news.com.au
