Kenya mall attack through a photographer’s lens
An off-duty SAS soldier is being heralded as a hero following reports he saved 100 adults and children from the Nairobi shopping centre massacre. With a handgun tucked into his waistband, the man is pictured here aiding two women out of the Westgate mall moments after a terrorist squad attacked. The soldier, who cannot be named, was reportedly enjoying a coffee with friends when Islamists armed with AK-47 rifles and grenades stormed the building. He is reported to have re-entered the building 12 times during the shooting to help shoppers to safety.
Sometimes you see a photograph that stops you cold.
You have to squint a bit, take a closer look, and really take in what you are seeing.
We noticed just such a photo earlier this week.
It was taken outside the Westgate mall in Nairobi, as the terrorist attack there unfolded.
In the picture, there's a man with his arms around two women.
He's walking them out of the mall.
The women both look like they're in shock.
And the man – whose face is obscured — has a hand gun tucked into the waistband of his jeans.
It's been reported that the man is a British special forces soldier who was off-duty and having a coffee at the mall when the attack started.
That startling moment was captured by Jennifer Huxta.
She's a freelance photographer based in Nairobi.
We tracked her down to ask her about that photo and what it's been like documenting this horrific event and its aftermath
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!