AU condemns Kenya attacks

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The African Union (AU) has condemned Sunday’s twin terrorist attacks in North Eastern Kenya, which killed 17 people, and vowed its support to Kenya’s efforts to continue its fight against international terror in Somalia.

AU Commission Chairperson Jean Ping condemned the attacks in North Eastern Kenyan town of Garissa, calling them “cowardly attacks” leading to the killing of worshipers.

“The Chairperson reaffirms the AU’s continued efforts of the Kenyan government in the fight against terrorism and calls for further enhancing the African counter-terrorism cooperation in line with the AU relevant instruments,” Ping said in a statement.

Meanwhile, church leaders have asked the government to offer protection to all churches following the attacks targeting the Catholic Church in Garissa and the African Inland Church (AIC).

“We share the pain arising out of this senseless and cowardly act,” said the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). “We are saddened that innocent Kenyans who were worshiping God were mercilessly murdered by criminals who hid their faces because they could not face up to their dastardly acts.”

In Nairobi, Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere said the police had a general warning of an impending terrorist threat in the northern Kenya region and the coast of Mombasa, but had no specific information.

“It is increasingly worrying that these attacks on churches are increasing and assurances of security by law enforcement against appear more rhetoric than pre-emptive security,” NCCK said.
-0- PANA AO/SEG 2July2012