NEWS & ANALYSIS

South African killed in Nairobi attacks

Luke Potter described as a "gentle soul" for whom Africa was his calling

South African killed in Nairobi attacks

One of those killed in the attack in the attack on the DusitD2 complex in Nairobi, Kenya, has been named as South African Luke Potter.

Potter, 40, held dual South African/British citizenship and was in Kenya for the Gatsby Charitable Foundation as its Africa programmes director.

He had worked for the foundation for 10 years, three years of which were in East Africa.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened to confirm that Luke Potter was killed in the recent security incident in Nairobi," a statement from Gatsby said.

It said Potter had devoted the past ten years of his career to helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world.

"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," the statement said.

Potter was born and schooled in Johannesburg and spent time in Durban.

His friend Nan Naidoo said she was devastated by the news.

"He was a gentle soul… he was South African born and bred. He loved doing uplifting work for the poor communities. Africa was his calling. He loved working in Africa and had a love and passion for working with people in Africa," Naidoo said.

News24