Watch CBS News

Kenya terror victims to ask Obama for compensation

NAIROBI, Kenya -- Kenyan victims of the 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi are appealing for financial compensation from the United States ahead of a visit this week by President Barack Obama.

Douglas Sidialo, a Kenyan who was blinded in the attack linked to al-Qaida, says Obama should consider aid for Kenyan victims on "humanitarian grounds."

Obama is scheduled to arrive Friday in Kenya on a two-nation African tour that also includes Ethiopia.

Militants simultaneously attacked the U.S. embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Aug. 7, 1998. The Kenya attack killed 12 Americans at the embassy and more than 200 Kenyans. Thousands were injured.

The United States says it spent tens of millions of dollars to help attack victims and their families.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.