Security tight in Mandera churches after bus attack
Policemen stand guard outside Police Canteen Redeemed Gospel Church in Mandera on November 23, 2014. PHOTO | MANASE OTSIALO
What you need to know:
- Previously, churches were guarded by two security officers buy on Sunday, their number was increased to three.
- At Police Canteen Redeemed Gospel Church, assistant Pastor Festus Murimi said four worshippers were killed in the attack.
Security was intensified in churches in Mandera County a day after Al-Shabaab militants attacked a bus and killed 28 people.
Most faithful stayed away from the churches despite presence of heavily armed security personnel.
Previously, churches were guarded by two security officers buy on Sunday, their number was increased to three.
“We are a few today despite the closure of schools and yesterday’s (Saturday) incident has scared most Christians who worship here with us but we shall go on with today’s service,” said Mr Bernard Ogutu, a church elder at the Mandera Community Center Church.
Mr Ogutu said their faith shall not be shaken by the Saturday’s incident.
“The two religions are not at war and we want all the Christians whenever they are to pray for the families of the deceased that the good Lord gives them strength,” he said.
At Police Canteen Redeemed Gospel Church, assistant pastor Festus Murimi said four worshippers were killed in the attack.
“The Bible teaches us to forgive those who wrong us and we shall forgive the killers of our brothers and sisters and move on the gospel.
“We have seen this attack happen in other places of the country and we cannot conclude that it was targeting Christians only,” said Mr Murimi.
Mandera County police Commander Noah Mwivanda confirmed that additional security was provided for the churches Sunday.
“We have reinforced security at all churches and we are asking the Christians not to fear but to go ahead and worship just like any other Sunday,” said Mwivanda.
Mr Mwivanda said police are also escorting buses plying Mandera-Wajir-Garissa-Nairobi route.
“We are already providing security to the buses and we advise the bus companies in Mandera to avoid late night travels along the border line,” he said.
On Saturday, Al-Shabaab terrorists hijacked a Nairobi-bound bus and executed 28 people in a chilling dawn attack at Arabiya in Mandera near the Kenya-Somali border.
Survivors said 15 masked gunmen got on the bus and commandeered it towards Somalia but after a kilometre, the bus got stuck in mud because it had rained heavily in the area.
