Salvation Army Provides Physical and Emotional Support After Nairobi Terror Attack

Following the horrific armed attack on the Westgate shopping centre in central Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday, September 21, The Salvation Army has been supporting security personnel and blood donors. At least 69 people are known to have been killed in the incident, with a further 200 injured – some seriously.

As the severity of the situation unfolded, The Salvation Army was asked by colleagues in the Kenyan Red Cross to assist at a blood donation facility in the capital. Blood donors – including Salvation Army members – responding to the urgent need were provided with food and drink. An estimated 4,000 people were assisted in this way. As night fell on Saturday, blankets were provided for donors who were still waiting.

On Sunday, The Salvation Army’s focus turned to the Kenyan defence forces incident response base, a cordoned-off area where up to 500 soldiers, armed police and other emergency workers are coordinating their response. Further food and refreshments were volunteered by members of The Salvation Army in Nairobi, with dedicated teams offering pastoral/emotional support.

With the situation still unresolved on Monday, The Salvation Army expects response to continue for some time and will be on the scene 24 hours a day for the foreseeable future.