(Simon Njogu is a columnist and a trained journalist)
On the afternoon of January 15, Kenyans were treated to the shocking news of yet another terror attack on Kenyan soil.
Exactly three years since the gory El Adde attack in Somalia that killed dozens of KDF soldiers, the attackers seem to have planned the siege on this day to drive fear into Kenyans by reminding them of their existence.
However, their plans were futile as the country was united more than ever before; victory was the end result all thanks to our security apparatus.
In the 2013 Westgate attack that claimed over 60 lives and lasted for days, Kenyans were infuriated by the poorly coordinated response and rescue operation that was also marred by divisions among the armed forces that were on the ground.
Five years later, a similar siege saw members of the public and armed forces execute a well-coordinated rescue plan, evacuating 700 hostages and gunning down the four assailants.
Although 14 lives were lost in the attack, hundreds of people were rescued as different forces worked in unison to defeat a common enemy.
Kenyans demonstrated unity and patriotism as they took to social media to spread messages of hope, responded to appeal for blood donation and spoke in a common language to condemn the attackers.
It was a moment that tested Kenyans’ love for one another and the country as well and indeed they triumphed over the evil.
However, in a twisted turn of events, one of the attackers’ residence was traced in Kiambu county, raising questions on how well Kenyans understand and safeguard their neighbourhood.
As a result, it is imperative that the cliché ‘security starts with you’ is taken more seriously by raising the alarm where things do not add up.
Nonetheless, the message that was sent to the whole world is undoubtedly that of unity, preparedness and unrelenting commitment to put all terrorist attacks to an ultimate end.
#hivisasaoriginal