Would You Go Back To Westgate?

Barbara Karuana, Film Maker (24)

Did you used to go to Westgate before the attack?
Yes, around once a month.

Do you know that they’re rebuilding the mall, how do you feel about this?
I feel like going back would be a disturbing experience, not because I was there, but because I’ll never be able to get that day out of my mind, I would be wondering whether someone died where I was standing, it can be really scary.

Would you ever go back?
I would go back, you know, because I need to shop and do stuff and I like going there. It’s sad that what happened did happen, but I’m still going to go back. But, I would always be wondering at the place where I was if something happened to someone in that space. But that kind of thing happens and we overcome it.

Liz, UON Economics Student: 22
Did you used to got to Westgate before the attack?
No, I’ve never been

Do you know that they’re rebuilding the mall, how do you feel about this?
Yes I knew about that, I think it’s okay.

Would you ever go there?
I would be scared, knowing what happened, but I would go. I wasn’t there though; maybe people who were there on the day wouldn’t go back

Freddy, Gospel Rapper: 17
Did you used to go to Westgate before the attack?
No I never went there

Do you know that they’re rebuilding the mall, how do you feel about this?
It’s good because it’s a social place where people can go and hang out and enjoy themselves and guys can get on with their businesses.

Would you ever go back?
Yeah, actually I would, I’m not scared.

Jacob Neto, Marketer at Milele FM: 37
Did you used to go to Westgate before the attack?
Yes, every once in a while for a coffee with friends at Art Café

Do you know that they’re rebuilding the mall, how do you feel about this?
It’s a good thing, that’s the spirit of Kenyans when you’re down there’s an opportunity to get back up again. So I encourage Kenyans to go back to Westgate, sit down and enjoy a coffee with the same friends. I think it’s a good thing.

Would you ever go back?
Yes, I don’t mind going back anytime, so long as security is guaranteed why not, I mean that’s the most important thing.

Jeff aka J.W, Producer: 23
Did you used to go to Westgate before the attack?
Many times, I liked the old place, the people, the location, and the Art Café when it used to be good.

Do you know that they’re rebuilding the mall, how do you feel about this?
Good. I can visit the place again.

Would you ever go back?
Yes, business must go on, and I would like to enjoy the space again

Omosh, Dancer, drummer, rapper, singer, teacher: 34
Did you used to go to Westgate before the attack?
Yes, I had a gig there for a month once, it was a good market.

Do you know that they’re rebuilding the mall, how do you feel about this?
Yes I knew. I think it must happen, work must go on, someone owns that land and property and he should start earning again. The American Embassy was rebuilt after it was attacked as well. Work must continue.

Would you ever go back?
Yes.

Chebet, in Advertising: 23
Did you used to go to Westgate before the attack?
Yes I have, maybe twice a month, I loved Planet Yogurt

Do you know that they’re rebuilding the mall, how do you feel about this?
I’m happy about it, but I guess to others it would take some time because of the lives that were lost. Maybe if you were there and you go back what happened can hit you all over again. But it’s a good thing.

Would you ever go back?
Yes, I would.

Kine: Writer: 25
Did you used to go to Westgate before the attack?
Very many times, I loved everything about it; the movie place, the Planet Yogurt…

Do you know that they’re rebuilding the mall, how do you feel about this?
It’s okay, it’s going to take a lot of time for us to go there once again. But it’s okay, bomb blast happened, and we still go back to the same place.

Would you ever go back?
Yes, most definitely, maybe even the second day after it was re-opened.

Daniel Malo, Actor/JKUAT Student: 23
Did you used to go to Westgate before the attack?
Yes, maybe three times.

Do you know that they’re rebuilding the mall, how do you feel about this?
Yes, it’s a good idea, it capitalizes revenue and taxes, increases employment and most importantly it shows that terrorism can’t affect us as a country and can be overcome.

Would you ever go back?
Why not?

 

By Ondi Madete