Survivors and families of victims of the 1998 attack on the American embassy in Nairobi have restated their call for reparations from the US government. This appeal comes on the 25th anniversary of the fatal attack, which was claimed by al-Qaeda.
On the mid-morning of August 7, 1998, a powerful explosion rocked the American Embassy in the heart of the Kenyan capital. The majority of the 213 deceased and over 5,000 injured were passers-by or office workers in buildings adjacent to the embassy. Within the embassy, 44 people, including 12 Americans, lost their lives.
A few minutes after this event, another assault was directed at the American diplomatic representation in Dar es Salaam, located in neighbouring Tanzania.
This Monday, at a ceremony held at the former embassy site, families of victims and survivors of the Nairobi attack once again pressed for compensation. Kenyan and American officials were present during this event.
Anisa Mwilu, who lost her husband in the attack, stated, “This incident remains vivid in people’s memories. Our request is for compensation, which we are appealing for today.” Her words received applause from the assembled crowd of several hundred.
Caroline Muthoka, a member of the Victims’ Consortium, criticised the “injustice of the US government” for not endorsing financial compensation. She urged the US Congress to enact legislation covering “medical expenses” and “our children’s education.”
Redempta Kadenge Amisi, who was present in the Ufundi Building next to the embassy during the attack, recounted her experience. “I was on the fourth floor, and the three people I was with were killed instantly,” said the 80-year-old woman, now using a wheelchair due to the attack’s lasting effects. “I wasn’t aware, but my back was on fire, and I spent more than four weeks in the hospital. Since then, I haven’t received any compensation, even though I require treatments every morning and night. Nevertheless, I am still hopeful,” she concluded.
During the ceremony, the names of the victims of the Nairobi and Dar es Salaam attacks were read aloud to a tearful crowd. Candles were lit in memory of those lost.
This bombing marked the first in a series of attacks in Kenya. Subsequent assaults included the Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi in 2013 (67 dead), the Garissa University attack in 2015 (148 dead), and the Dusit hotel complex attack in Nairobi in 2019 (21 dead).
