NAIROBI, Kenya — A University of Texas graduate is among those killed in Tuesday’s terrorist attack on a hotel complex in Kenya’s capital.
- Jason Spindler co-founder of I-DEV
- 21 people killed
- Extremist group claims responsibility
Jason Spindler was the co-founder and managing director of San Francisco-based company I-DEV. The company says that nine others in its Nairobi office were safely evacuated.
Spindler's father, Joseph, said his son grew up in Houston, graduated from the University of Texas and was enjoying a successful career on Wall Street when he decided that he wanted to develop a model for helping low-income people. Spindler entered the Peace Corps and lived in Peru, where he developed sustainable business models for rural residents.
Spindler, who would have turned 41 next Tuesday, had been living in Kenya for about five years. His father said he worked with international companies to form business partnerships in Kenya that would boost local economies.
Kenyan authorities say 21 people were killed in the attack. The al-Shabab extremist group has claimed responsibility.