“The terrorists spoke to them briefly, introduced themselves as Al Shabaab and shot them” Detailed account of how 5 brave men died saving one woman

At least 21 people were killed when Al Shabaab gunmen stormed into DusitD2 hotel on January 15th and opened fire indiscriminately at anyone.

Cellulant Corporation, which operated from within the Dusit complex, lost 6 employees in the terror attack. Employees of the tech company spread out on 5th & 6th floors when gunfire and loud explosion were heard.

Some managed to leave the building using emergency exit. The terrorists noticed a group leaving and began shooting at the streams of people. They blocked any further exit from the building.

The brave 5

17 Cellulant employees were effectively pinned down inside Cavendish block when the terrorist blocked the exit. 6 sought refuge in a small room underneath the staircases on the first floor exit, whereas 11 others ran upstairs and sought refuge in washrooms.

The terrorists eventually caught up with the 6 who had hidden in a small room underneath the staircases. They spoke to them briefly, introduced themselves as Al Shabaab before shooting them dead.

One employee – a woman was miraculously unharmed, the five men who were hiding with her shielded her into the back corner behind them removing her from sight.

The five men who shielded the woman were – Denis Munene Mwaniki (29), Jeremiah Mathai Mbaria (31), John Wanyaga Ndiritu (29), Kelvin Kariuki Gitonga (28) and Wilfred Kareithi Waihura (23).

The sixth Cellulant employee – Ashford Kuria Maina (31) who died during the attack was killed earlier at fifth floor washroom before the terrorists killed the five who were hiding a small room underneath the staircases on the first floor.

A requiem mass for the 6 Cellulant employees killed in DusitD2 terror attack was held at Citam Valley Road in Nairobi on Tuesday January 22nd.