A Message from CTC's Founder

As many of you know, the country of Kenya was hit with tragedy this past Saturday, September 21 at Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall. The attack was one of desperation by a struggling Jihadi group to create strife within Kenya and as an attempt to provoke a backlash against ethnic Somalis by the Kenyan government and Kenyan citizens.

 

The images of terrified Kenyans, tourists, mothers, fathers and children is shocking and creates a reasonable fear and painful reminder that safety is often beyond our control. Whether these shootings are taking place abroad or even in our own country like Chicago and at the Navy Yard in Washington DC earlier this month, the immediate response is fear and protection.

 

I want to share with all of you that CTC realizes these fears and is doing all that we can to ensure the safety of our teams, our staff and those that we serve on a daily basis. At the core of CTC’s efforts is empowerment and as a result during times like these we will stay committed to our communities in Kenya and continue the work before us.

 

I’d like to share the following quote from CTC’s Kenya tour partner, Gamewatchers Safaris:

 

"Kenya's tourism industry is not affected and all tourism facilities and services continue to operate as normal without any disruption to our clients' itineraries. Until the situation is resolved, the roads in the vicinity of the affected shopping centre will be avoided but otherwise it is business as usual throughout the country. President Kenyatta has urged international visitors not to be deterred from coming on holiday to Kenya and not to allow the terrorists to achieve their aim to damage the country's economy by frightening people so that they fear to travel away from home. Other international leaders have urged that isolated and random terrorist atrocities which happen in many different parts of the world should not be allowed to stop people from leading normal lives."

 

Paralyzing us with fear and keeping us from living normal lives is exactly what these terrorist groups seek to do, whether they be in Chicago or in Kenya.

 

CTC’s thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and with all of our friends in Kenya who are enduring any struggles as a result of this tragedy.  Know that we are with you and that we are committed more than ever.

 

If you are planning to travel with CTC to Kenya anytime in the near future please know that we are taking the highest of precautions to ensure your safety and we will continue to update you on the latest news and any changes in the situation.

 

I recommend the following article, What The Deadly Attack On A Kenya Mall Was Really About by Ken Menkhaus for those who would like to know more about the situation surrounding the Westgate Mall.

 

For those with further questions please do not hesitate to contact me directly, zanewilemon@ctcinternational.org.

 

Peace,


Zane