Kenyan victims seek compensation for the 1998 US embassy bombing. On 7 August 1998, a devastating terrorist attack struck the United States mission in Nairobi. The al-Qaeda-orchestrated attack involved a massive truck bomb detonating near the embassy’s entrance. The resulting explosion inflicted catastrophic damage to the embassy building and surrounding areas. It claimed the lives of 213 people and injured thousands more, including embassy staff, Kenyan citizens, and visitors.
Nairobi, KENYA. By Yahya:
The attack on the US Embassy in Nairobi was part of a coordinated assault. Simultaneous explosions occurred at the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on the same day. This twin attack sent shockwaves across the world, underscoring the growing global threat terrorist organizations pose.
As Kenya marks the 25th anniversary of this tragic event, survivors and families are renewing their calls for compensation from the US government. The attack’s legacy continues to resonate, with victims seeking recognition, support, and justice for the losses they endured.
Agnes Kavindu, chairperson of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee advocating for compensation to Kenyan victims, expressed frustration over the long-standing neglect of victims’ needs. “Compensation of the Kenyan victims is long overdue,” Kavindu told the Star, highlighting the urgency of addressing the compensation gaps. Her committee plans to engage with US senators to request amendments to legislation that currently excludes compensation for Kenyan victims of terrorist attacks targeting Americans.
Lack of money to cover essential medication
Caroline Muthoka, an international convener of the Consortium of the Aug. 7, 1998 Victims Association, stressed that the commemoration seeks to garner support for compensation. The US government has thus far compensated its citizens and employees affected by the bombing. However, it left Kenyan victims without similar recognition.
Redempta Kadenge Amisi, a survivor who sustained injuries from the blast, told VOA about the ongoing challenges she continues to face due to the attack. She lacks financial assistance to cover medical expenses, including essential medication. Survivors like Amisi hold onto hope for recognition and support despite enduring injuries and loss.
The 25th anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the lasting impact of the tragedy. The calls for compensation echo the collective voices of survivors, urging acknowledgement and redress for the hardships endured. The 1998 attack is a stark reminder of the need for justice and support, reflecting the determination to secure a brighter future for victims and their families.
