Man Who Led Attack on Westgate Mall in Nairobi is Kenyan National, Islam Convert, Named Omar or Umayr: Report

The destruction on the roof of the Westgate mall, which was attacked by militants on September 21, 2013--the militants were led by a man called Omar or Umayr who died in the attack, according to a report. (Kenyan Presidential Press Service via Getty Images)

The man who led the attack on Nairobi’s Westgate mall is a Kenyan national who was born to a Christian family and converted to Islam, it was reported.

The man, whose Jihadi fighting name is Omar or Umayr, is believed to have been killed in the attack, reported Channel 4 News. 

Official information about the identity of the attacks has not been released by Kenyan authorities, though The Star confirmed that Ali Gitonga has been arrested in connection with the attack.

Kenya’s foreign minister also said that a British woman was one of at least five attackers who were killed by police. 

Omar left Kenya for Somalia in 2005, where he joined the Kamboni militant Islamist group, according to Channel 4. He later joined with al-Shabab, the group that has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Sources told Channel 4 that Omar used to teach al-Shabab fighters martial arts and boxing at a training camp in Somalia, but he fell out with leaders because the leaders thought he lacked ambition--possibly why he would be sent on the attack on Westgate, which would likely be foreseen to end with his death or capture, instead of rising within the organization.