Make public reports on Kenya blasts, says cleric

A cleric has asked the government to make public findings of investigations into grenade attacks in Kenya.

Bishop Albert Mulemi cited the attack at God’s House of Miracles International Church in Ngara on Sunday that claimed one life and left 16 others injured.

He also cited the recent one targeting a crusade in Mombasa and the one at Uhuru Park in 2010.

Leaders of God’s House of Miracles International Church condemned the latest attack and called on the government to introduce measures to protect social gatherings and worship areas.

Addressing journalists in Nairobi on Tuesday, Bishop Mulemi, one of the church’s leaders, called on the government to cater for the burial expenses of the victim.

He further said the government should pay the medical bills of the blast victims.

“We also appeal to the government to consider zero-rating duty on CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras and further subsidise them to allow more Kenyans to buy and install them,” he said, adding that the gadgets will help deal with terrorism in the country.

According to witnesses at the Nairobi church on Sunday, a man threw something that looked like a bottle towards the altar and it exploded, causing confusion.

Mr Mulemi said if CCTV cameras had been installed, it would have been easy for police to track down the man, who is said to have escaped, just after throwing the grenade.

Senior Bishop Joseph Methu said: “The government should not sweep under the carpet the crimes against innocent Kenyans but should employ more police officers to deal with the situation,” he said.

He said that the worst hit have been evangelical gatherings and called on the government to ensure safety at all places of worship.

At the same time, the National Council of Churches of Kenya called for frequent security patrols in places of worship to prevent future grenade attacks.

“There is great need for security agencies to enhance patrols when the faithful are gathered to ensure such attacks are thwarted,” said Bishop Joseph Kilioba, NCCK Nairobi region chairman.

“This is deplorable. We inform the attackers that they will bring upon themselves and their families the wrath of God in this life and the life to come,” he said.