The Dusit hotel terror attack in January 2019 claimed 21 lives and left a deep scar on Nairobi’s sense of security. Armed militants from al Shabaab stormed the DusitD2 complex, causing panic and chaos across the capital.
The assault began around 3 PM, when attackers threw explosives at vehicles and stormed into the lobby. One of them detonated a suicide vest, marking the start of a 19-hour siege that left dozens injured and many traumatized.
Civilians ran for cover. Some hid in bathrooms, under desks, and inside offices. Sporadic gunfire echoed through the night as security forces advanced, clearing one floor after another.
President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the nation, confirming that Kenyan forces had killed all five attackers. He vowed to pursue everyone linked to the attack—including funders, planners, and logisticians—without mercy.
The Dusit hotel terror attack also left 28 people injured, while 19 remained unaccounted for in the immediate aftermath. Outside Chiromo mortuary, families gathered to identify the dead, turning grief into a national moment of mourning.
Eyewitnesses described terror and confusion. People first tried to flee, then returned inside as bullets sprayed. Survivor Faith Chepchirchir said she saw a crowd rushing to the gate, only to retreat as the gunfire intensified.
CCTV footage later showed four gunmen entering the complex. They moved methodically, rifles in hand, targeting those inside. Security sources believe some of the attackers had visited the compound days earlier to scout their target.
Kenyan football fan James Oduor, known as Cobra, tweeted live updates before losing his life. Friends Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed died while sharing lunch. An American citizen, described by his mother as a passionate development worker, also perished.
Al Shabaab claimed responsibility. The group framed the Dusit hotel terror attack as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Kenya, since sending troops to Somalia in 2011, has remained a top al Shabaab target. The 2019 assault followed other major tragedies like the 2013 Westgate Mall attack and the Garissa University massacre in 2015.
Throughout the night, rescue teams evacuated those trapped inside. Former Senator Boni Khalwale confirmed his daughter Zinzi survived by hiding in an office room until security personnel reached her.
The attackers chose the DusitD2 because of its prominence. Located in the upscale Westlands district, the complex includes high-end restaurants, office spaces, and a five-star hotel. Its location, visibility, and foreign clientele made it a symbolic target.
Although officials initially declared the complex secure by midnight, fresh gunfire rang out after 1 AM. By 7 AM, explosions resumed as elite forces continued their sweep. Eventually, officers cleared all floors, confirming that no hostages remained.
Al Shabaab continues to threaten East Africa. Its fighters oppose Somalia’s government but extend their campaign across borders. Their ability to strike hardened urban targets reflects the enduring complexity of the terror threat in the region.
For Kenya, the Dusit hotel terror attack served as a grim reminder of this ongoing battle. The government later intensified counterterrorism efforts, focusing on disrupting networks and securing urban centers.
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