This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29299596

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Kenya marks anniversary of deadly Westgate mall attack Kenya marks anniversary of deadly Westgate mall attack
(about 3 hours later)
Kenya is marking a year since the attack on Nairobi's Westgate shopping centre, in which at least 67 people were killed. Kenya is marking a year since the attack on a Nairobi shopping centre, in which at least 67 people were killed.
A memorial plaque will be unveiled and a candle-lit vigil held. A memorial plaque with names of the victims was unveiled ahead of a candle-lit vigil being held later on Sunday.
The siege at Westgate lasted four days, with CCTV footage showing terrified shoppers fleeing the gunmen and cowering behind counters.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.Somali Islamist group al-Shabab said it carried out the attack in response to Kenya's military operations in Somalia.
On high alertOn 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. Relatives of the victims laid wreaths at a garden in the forest where 67 trees were planted after the attack.
Interfaith prayers will also be held at the site. Interfaith prayers were held at the site as a memorial plaque with names of the victims on was unveiled.
"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. Amul Shah, who spoke at the event, said his life was "completely shattered" after his son Mitul died in the attack.
Mr Shah said his 38-year-old son was looking after children taking part in a cooking competition on the shopping centre's rooftop when the siege happened.
"He helped several children escape from the attack, but he was not lucky himself. He was so selfless," Mr Shah said.
Ahead of the commemorations, Kenya was put on high alert amid fears of possible attacks by militants.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."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 assassinatedLeader 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.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.
At the scene: BBC's Anne Soy, NairobiAt the scene: BBC's Anne Soy, Nairobi
Dressed in T-shirts bearing his smiling portrait, Mitul Shah's family no doubt took time to prepare for the first anniversary of the Westgate attack.Dressed in T-shirts bearing his smiling portrait, Mitul Shah's family no doubt took time to prepare for the first anniversary of the Westgate attack.
Tears rolled down his parents' cheeks as they fondly remembered their only son.Tears rolled down his parents' cheeks as they fondly remembered their only son.
Some families broke down as they lay flowers at the Amani Garden. Amani means peace in Swahili.Some families broke down as they lay flowers at the Amani Garden. Amani means peace in Swahili.
Sixty-seven trees were planted a month after the attack to symbolise each of those who died. A young girl said: "My uncle is here", as she watered the tree bearing the name Crispal Gaitungu.Sixty-seven trees were planted a month after the attack to symbolise each of those who died. A young girl said: "My uncle is here", as she watered the tree bearing the name Crispal Gaitungu.
The friends and families of the victims unveiled a plaque with the names of the departed.The friends and families of the victims unveiled a plaque with the names of the departed.
Some survivors were also present. Sergeant Moses Emojong, one of the first officers to respond to what was at first thought to be a robbery, survived 15 gun shots. He now walks on crutches.Some survivors were also present. Sergeant Moses Emojong, one of the first officers to respond to what was at first thought to be a robbery, survived 15 gun shots. He now walks on crutches.
"The fact that I'm talking to you today reminds me that I'm alive," he said."The fact that I'm talking to you today reminds me that I'm alive," he said.
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.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.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.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.The militants later chose a new chief and vowed revenge attacks.