British man killed in Nairobi hotel terror attack pictured for first time as colleagues pay tribute to his ‘unique sense of humour’
Luke Potter was killed, along with 13 others, after only recently moving to the Kenyan capital to work for Gatsby Africa, Reuters reported
A DEVELOPMENT worker from London has today been identified as the British victim of the Nairobi gun and bomb terror attack.
Luke Potter was killed, along with 13 others, after only recently moving to the Kenyan capital to work for Gatsby Africa, Reuters reported.
Today his employer released a statement which read: "We are deeply shocked and saddened to confirm that Luke Potter, our Africa Programmes Director, was killed in the recent security incident in Nairobi.
"Luke had devoted the past ten years of his career to helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world. He had worked with us for three and a half years, carrying out assignments across East Africa.
"Luke was instrumental in establishing our forestry programme and team in Kenya, and provided crucial leadership, guidance and support to our Tanzanian forestry programme and our tea programmes in Rwanda and Tanzania.
"Luke was respected by all he worked with, bringing huge drive, determination, a relentless work ethic, and a thirst for new ideas to every project.
"He brought a calm head and his unique sense of humour to every situation. He was deeply committed to his work, to his teams, to Gatsby and to development in Africa. He was our colleague and our friend.
"We share the grief of his family, partner, daughter and friends. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with them. We are now focused on offering all the support we can to them and to our staff.
"We ask that you please respect the privacy of his loved ones and colleagues at this extremely difficult time."
The coordinated assault at the upmarket hotel complex yesterday saw a group of Al-Shabaab terrorists destroy three vehicles outside a bank, then launch a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby that severely wounded a number of guests.
Luke described himself on his company website as loving water-sports, camping, hiking and talking about adventures outside the city.
"I strongly believe in the need for societies to offer as equal an opportunity as possible to all, and that, while economic competitiveness is essential to build a country, long-term stability is not achievable unless the gains are widely spread," he said.
It comes as an American businessman who survived 9/11 was earlier named as the US national killed in yesterday's horrific terror attack in Nairobi.
Jason Spindler was at the Dusit hotel when four Al-Shabaab terrorists went on a gun and bomb rampage through the upmarket complex.
The US businessman was the CEO of I-DEV International, a management and investment firm based in the Kenyan capital.
His brother, Jonathan, confirmed his death on Tuesday, saying: "It's with a heavy heart that I announce that my brother, Jason, passed away this morning during a terror attack in Nairobi," reported.
"Jason was a survivor of 9/11 and a fighter. I am sure he gave them hell."
A British man with dual UK-South African nationality was also among those killed, while a second Brit was injured.
Today Jason's friend Chris Shroeder said on Facebook: "Jason Spindler was one of those rare men who was loved by pretty much anyone he touched in Kenya and around the world.
"He chose a life of hope and inclusion. I am grateful to have known and learned from him."
Terror group Al-Shabaab initially claimed they had killed "47 enemies" - although that figure now appears to be vastly exaggerated.
According to Dailymail, Spindler was working for the Salomon Brothers when the 9/11 attacks occurred. He escaped from Building 7 before it was completely destroyed.
His mum Sarah Sandler told he was in Kenya "trying to make positive change in the third world in emerging markets".
She added: "We all miss him so much. And it's so sad that such a bright young person is taken away by terrorism."
Earlier today it emerged a lone SAS soldier who was in the capital training local Special Forces took part in the rescue of scores of hostages.
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Dramatic images showed him donning a flak jacket, several weapons and a balaclava while escorting people to safety and storming buildings.
Gunfire and explosions were heard shortly after 3pm local time yesterday as police entered the upmarket Dusit Hotel, and images showed black plumes of smoke over the area.
The attack sparked a huge police siege, with Boinnet saying special forces worked to "flush them out".
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