Kenya marks Westgate mall attack

21 September 2014 Last updated at 07:55

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Background to the Westgate mall attack in 60 seconds

Kenya is marking a year since the attack on Nairobi's Westgate shopping centre, in which at least 67 people were killed.

A memorial plaque will be unveiled and a candle-lit vigil held.

The siege at Westgate lasted four days, with CCTV footage showing terrified shoppers fleeing the gunmen and cowering behind counters.

Somali Islamist group al-Shabab said it carried out the attack in response to Kenya's military operations in Somalia.

On high alert

Later on Sunday, relatives of the victims will lay wreaths at a garden in the forest where 67 trees were planted after the attack.

Interfaith prayers will also be held at the site.

"We expect the victims' families and friends to come out and be part of the healing process," event organiser Rajesh Shah was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

Ahead of the commemorations, Kenya was put on high alert amid fears of possible attacks by militants.

"We are prepared in case of anything. Specialised units are on the ground and we have intensified patrols during this period of the anniversary," Kenyan police chief David Kimaiyo said.

Leader assassinated

Last year's attack sparked a four-day siege in which large parts of the shopping centre were destroyed amid heavy fighting and a fire.

All four gunmen are believed to have died during the assault.

The Kenyan authorities have been criticised for what is seen by some analysts as their slow response to the attack and also lack of co-ordination between police and the army. Kenya rejects the claims.

Four Somalis are being held in prison in Kenya on terrorism charges linked to the attack.

Al-Shabab is fighting to create an Islamic state in Somalia and is banned as a terrorist group by both the US and the UK.

Earlier this month, al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane was assassinated in US air strikes in southern Somalia.

The militants later chose a new chief and vowed revenge attacks.

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