Churches grieve for raid victims

Kenyans continued mourning the victims of Saturday’s terrorist attack on Westgate Mall.

Catholic bishops and leaders of Pentecostal churches were among those who sent condolence messages.

Regional and local political leaders also sent condolences.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops praised the efforts by Kenyan security forces to free the hostages and end the terrorists’ three-day siege.

“As a nation we share in the trauma of our brothers and sisters who have lost their close relatives and their loved ones during the Westgate attack,” the bishops said in a statement signed by KCCB vice-chairman Philip Anyolo.

“We condemn the unwarranted attacks on the helpless people and residents of Kenya. We urge the government and its security forces to get to the bottom of the matter and ensure that justice is done.”

UNITY APPEALS

The Kenya National Congress of Pentecostal churches and ministries in Mombasa County appealed to Kenyans to remain united and resist any attempts to divide them along religious or ideological lines.

Their chairman, the Rev Tee Nalo said: “We appeal to the government to remain vigilant and beef up security especially at social gatherings and in churches countrywide.”

African Inland Church Bishop Silas Yego asked Kenyans to remain united even in the face of the terrorist attack. Speaking at Makina AIC Church, Bishop Yego described the attack in which more than 60 people have died as “heinous”.

“We should join President Uhuru Kenyatta in saying no to terrorism. Let us all help in fighting terrorism,” Bishop Yego said.

In his message, Somalia Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said: “Our hearts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We share their grief and pain.”