Three witnesses to appear before team probing mall attack

Rescued hostages are escorted by police to safety on September 21, 2013 at Westgate mall which was under attack by terrorists. FILE

By EDWIN MUTAI

Three witnesses are set to testify Monday as a joint parliamentary committee starts investigations into the Westgate terror attack two weeks ago.

The three are members of the public who were at the mall during the attack that left 73 dead and 240 injured with 39 still reported as missing. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the atrocity.

“Three people have volunteered to testify. We hope many Kenyans who have information or who witnessed the killings will come forward,” Administration and National Security chairman Asman Kamama said.

Also expected to make submissions is Nairobi Senator Gideon Mbuvi who claimed that he warned the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of the impending attack. Mr Kamama said the parliamentary probe would go on despite President Uhuru Kenyatta establishing a commission of inquiry into the mall attack on Tuesday last week.

“As Parliament, we are independent enough to prosecute our business and report in a month. There will be no conflict with the executive inquiry,” Mr Kamama said.

He said the committee would seek footage of the malls’ Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), forensic evidence from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) to establish if disciplined forces looted shops during the operation.

There have been complaints that the CCTV - monitored offsite in Nairobi’s Hurlingham area was tampered with.

“If we find out that there were officers involved in the looting we will demand prompt action including that they face a court martial,” he said.

“The KDF Act 2012 and Service Orders provide that any officer who breaks the law be court martialled and if found guilty be summarily dismissed,” Mr Kamama said.

Security chiefs including NIS Director General Michael Gichangi, Inspector General David Kimaiyo, CID director Ndegwa Muhoro, Cabinet secretary Joseph ole Lenku, department of immigration top officials and other experts on terrorism will appear before next week.

The committee will also visit counties that have recently been hit by terrorist attacks.