Muslim clerics, UN boss condemn Garissa grenade attacks

The Council of Imams and Preachers in Kenya and the United Nations have condemned the Garissa grenade attacks.

Sheikh Hassan Omar said Tuesday the terrorists who carried out the heinous attacks were out to cause religious war in Kenya.

The Muslim clerics asked the government to conduct a thorough probe and arrest the attackers.

Mr Omar accused Somalia militia Al-Shabaab of being desperate to create a Nigerian style of religious chaos in Kenya.

"But Kenyans who have lived peacefully for more than 40 years will continue to live as one united citizens," he told reporters in Garissa.

At the same time, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki moon condemned the terrorist attacks on two churches in Sunday that resulted in the deaths of 17 people.

"These attacks, which deliberately targeted places of worship, are reprehensible and criminal," said Mr Ban.

"No cause can justify the indiscriminate targeting of civilians. The perpetrators of these attacks, and of other recent terrorist acts in Kenya, must be held to account."

Mr Ban sent condolence messages to the families of the victims, the government and Kenyans.

On Sunday, several hooded men attacked worshippers at the African Inland Church (AIC) and Our Lady of Consolata Catholic Church. The attackers hurled grenades into the churches and opened fire indiscriminately.