Kenya's catholic bishops have expressed deep sadness at the terrorist attack in Nairobi in which at least 21 people died.
The terrorists struck DusitD2, an upmarket business complex on 14 Riverside Drive in Westlands area on 15 January at 3.00 pm, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. The complex is only about a Kilometre from Waumini House, the seat of the bishop’s conference.
“We are saddened that young men and women have reached a point of believing that killing innocent people is a good thing,” said a bishop statement by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, the chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).
“This culture of death, which is misguided by the lure of money and false sense of heroism is a challenge to us all and must be confronted collectively.”
When the attack started Catholic parishes near the scene mobilised food, soft drinks, and water to support the rescue team, the bishops said. They also recognised the efforts and quick responses of volunteers and health workers, who had moved in to provide first aid, saving lives. The bishops also paid tribute to the security forces for their prompt actions.
“The perpetrators, their facilitators and sympathisers must not be given any [other] chance to kill innocent people,” said the Bishops.
All five of the militants who stormed the hotel and business complex on Tuesday were killed, officials report. Nine people believed to be connected to the attack have since been arrested.
Until the attack, the area where the complex is located was viewed as one of Nairobi’ secure zones. It shares a neighbourhood with western embassies – Australian, Dutch and German - making it a popular area for western diplomats and affluent Kenyans.
Dozens of Western companies as well as a hotel, restaurant and bars catering for the large community of expatriates working and living in Nairobi, are located in the complex. Over 30 International companies operate from the location.
President Uhuru Kenyatta said the government will not rest until those who planned the attack and facilitated its execution are found.
“We are a country governed by laws, rules and regulation, and that embraces peaceful co-existence. We believe in these principles and value even in the face of adversity. We are also a nation that never forgets those who hurt its children,” said Kenyatta on 16 January.
Overall, approximately 700 people were rescued, the government and the Red Cross said. At least 30 injuries were reported with those affected receiving treatments in Nairobi hospitals.
“I want to congratulate the government for well-coordinated operation and thank the Kenyan Police for their good leadership during the response period,” said Dr. Abbas Gullet, the secretary general, Kenya Red Cross.
Al-Shabaab, the Somalia based al-Qaeda affiliate in East Africa claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. A statement attributed the group, but not authenticated, said the militants had targeted the complex as a revenge for the attacks on Muslim families in Palestine.
Based in Southern Somalia, the militant group has frequently sent its gunmen into Kenya to attack churches and public places. The group has been trying to overthrow the UN-backed Somalia with a view to replacing it with one governed under strict Sharia Islamic law.