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| Africa Horn |
| Tight security as Westgate reopens |
| 2015-07-19 |
| [Standard Digital (Kenya)] Shoppers who turned up to witness the rebirth of Westgate Shopping Mall were treated to a rare security screening yesterday. They were subjected to a three-point security check-up, which interestingly, was overseen by Israeli officers, the Kenya Police and the Kenya Defence Force with the dreaded K9 police dogs. The reopening comes just a few days ahead of US President Barack Obama’s historic visit to Kenya. Obama has said he would use the platform presented to him (when he visits Kenya) to support for the region’s war on terror. State-of-the-art technology was also in play at the security check, where the use of security cameras, radar detectors, metal detectors and vehicle beam lights was witnessed. Visitors were monitored at a control room at the entrance. Motorists had to switch off their engines to avoid electrical interference with the systems. Hundreds of shoppers thronged the mall, which included new shops, for instance, a Samsung outlet and relocation of older shops such as Nakumatt, which is now on the first floor from ground floor. Ali Aboud, a security expert, expressed joy with the new look, saying: “It looks more modernised. I like it”. Aboud, who was with his family, said he could not have missed the opportunity to be at the reopening. |
| Posted by:Fred |