Violent Attack at Kenyan Hotel Ends With 14 Dead

The final hostages in the violent terrorist attack which took place at the DusitD2 Hotel in Naoribi's affluent Westlands district yesterday have been freed after a 17 hour standoff between Kenyan security forces and Al Shabab militants.

In a speech this morning, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta declared the rescue mission over, stating that there were 700 people rescued and a total of 14 casualties. He also stated that all of the attackers had been killed in the operation, according to Quartz Africa."Every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act will be relentlessly pursued," added Kenyatta.

Many recalled the events of the deadly 2013 Westgate Mall Siege in which 71 people were killed. The attack was also at the hands of Al Shabab.

Kenyans took to social media on Tuesday and Wednesday to rally, with several using social media to gain information on loved ones who were missing and share resources for those affected by the attack.

Many Kenyans are expressing sadness at the loss of well-known sports journalist and football fan Kenyan James Oduor, also known as Cobra who died inside the hotel on the eve of his birthday, notes The Daily Nation.He was tweeting during the attack, asking those on the outside for information on what was taking place at the hotel.

Thousands of people online including celebrities and members of the international community are sharing messages in remembrance of the victims, using the hashtags #Pray4Kenya, #14Riverside and #riversideattack.