Wednesday's pledge by President Uhuru Kenyatta that the government will go after all those involved in terrorism is a welcome signal. Now, the real test will be the speed and accuracy with which security agencies and other relevant arms of government execute their mandate to turn that promise into a reality.
For starters, security agencies must embark on a crackdown against all the individuals, organisations or businesses that finance terrorism or are used as conduits to facilitate the financing of attacks such as the one that claimed 14 lives in Nairobi on Tuesday. To achieve this, they will need the support of financial institutions as well as the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). This would be the best way to combat terrorism by denying it the dirty money organisations like Al-Shabaab need to carry out their heinous crimes.
Considering that many businesses have been adversely affected by the attack, through the death or injury of their employees and loss of income, the government can step in to cushion them and give those in need a hand-up through concessions that will help them to rebuild their capacity and get back on their feet.
Giving them an opportunity to rebuild will not only be a boost to the businesses but also to their employees and their families. Standing with them in their hour of need and walking with them in their journies of recovery would be the best way to spite terrorism. Kenyans are known for their resilience in the face of adversity and we believe that those affected will overcome, given the right support, and rebuild their lives.
But even as this happens, the relevant agencies must be challenged to step up, increase surveillance and do their best to pre-empt attacks in future. That said, the gallant team of security officers who responded to the DusitD2 attack must be commended for their bravery, selflessness in saving lives and the co-ordination which ensured that all the diverse agencies involved in the operation worked as a team.
They also demonstrated that Kenya has come a long way in its preparedness to respond to public emergencies. Their patriotism and gallantry was a moment of pride for all Kenyans.
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