NAIROBI, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenyans on Tuesday took to social media to encourage and support victims of a terror attack that happened at a hotel and office complex in Nairobi's upscale suburb of Westlands.
At least six people were killed and several others injured after al-Shabab terrorists struck an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi on Tuesday, the police and witnesses said.
The victims of the attack, some who had locked themselves up in toilets and offices while others hid in rooms took to social media to share what was happening.
"I am hiding in the bathroom on the first floor of Grosvenor buildings. Terrorists are going room to room. Help," Ron Ngeno, a worker in one of the complexes, tweeted.
He added, "If I die, please tell my family I love them. I love you Caleb, Mark and Carol."
Several such messages on social media were widely circulated, with the one from Ngeno touching Kenyans the most.
"Shocking but keep the faith. You aren't going nowhere. Caleb, Mark and Carol will still see you today evening," Peter Sergoi told Ngeno.
"We are really praying for you brother. Please stay safe. God will protect you. You will come out alive," Embakasi responded.
"You are not dying. We pray you and everyone else to be rescued. Don't give up. A lot of effort to rescue you all is underway," Anna Lorna replied Ngeno.
Many citizens reassured the victims through social media under the hashtag #RiversideAttack, especially after top police unit recce squad arrived at the scene.
"To all caught up in this incident at Riverside. Help is on the way. The recce squad has arrived. Stay hidden, stay safe, put phone on silent, keep praying." said Kuisan Macharia.
And when news came that Ngeno and several other victims had been rescued, social media exploded in joy as Kenyans thanked the police and citizens who had spread the word about their predicament and positions.
On the streets, some Kenyans resorted to prayers as others wondered what Kenya had done to deserve another attack while memories of the previous ones are still fresh in their minds.
Police assured citizens that specialised officers had responded to the attack and asked the public to keep off the scene and motorists to avoid roads near it.
"Police wish to confirm that there has been an attack incident along 14 Riverside Drive. The area has since been cordoned off and motorists are advised to use alternative routes to facilitate smooth operations of the police. The National Police specialised units are on site at 14 Riverside Drive to engage the attackers," said the National Police Service in a statement.
Somali terror group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.
Al-shabab terrorists timed it with the third anniversary since they staged an onslaught at a camp for Kenyan soldiers located near southwestern Somalia town of El Adde, where scores of Kenyan soldiers were killed.
