Kenyan army looting mall caught on camera
22 Oct 2013 12:43 AM GMT
In security camera video seen on Sunday, some members of Kenya's armed forces appeared to loot a store during the four-day siege of Nairobi's most upscale mall. At least 67 people were killed in the attack by Islamic extremists. Kenya's security forces have previously denied any wrongdoing.
Soon after the attack began on 21 September, Kenyan officials put a security cordon around the mall, allowing only security forces and a few government personnel to pass through.
When the attack was over, some who owned shops inside the mall complained of looting.
Mobile phones were ripped from displays, cash registers emptied, and even alcohol stocks plundered, according to AP reporters at the scene after the siege ended.
Public servants in Kenya, including police, firefighters and soldiers, are poorly paid and frequently accused of corruption.
An investigation into a huge fire at Nairobi's airport in August revealed that first responders had looted electronics, a bank and an ATM during and after the blaze.
In the case of the Westgate attack, a team of Kenyan lawmakers that investigated the looting allegations cleared soldiers of any wrongdoing.
The Somali Islamic extremist group al-Shabab, affiliated to Al Qaeda, claimed responsibly for the mall attack, saying it was in retribution for Kenya's military involvement in Somalia.
Soon after the attack began on 21 September, Kenyan officials put a security cordon around the mall, allowing only security forces and a few government personnel to pass through.
When the attack was over, some who owned shops inside the mall complained of looting.
Mobile phones were ripped from displays, cash registers emptied, and even alcohol stocks plundered, according to AP reporters at the scene after the siege ended.
Public servants in Kenya, including police, firefighters and soldiers, are poorly paid and frequently accused of corruption.
An investigation into a huge fire at Nairobi's airport in August revealed that first responders had looted electronics, a bank and an ATM during and after the blaze.
In the case of the Westgate attack, a team of Kenyan lawmakers that investigated the looting allegations cleared soldiers of any wrongdoing.
The Somali Islamic extremist group al-Shabab, affiliated to Al Qaeda, claimed responsibly for the mall attack, saying it was in retribution for Kenya's military involvement in Somalia.
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