CISA NEWS REPORT:
MOMBASA, August 28, 2012 (CISA) -The National Council of Churches of Kenya has strongly condemned the atrocious and unwarranted attacks on five churches and its office at Mombasa yesterday August 27 during which innocent worshipers were injured. Vandalism and looting by demonstrators resulted in extensive damage and immense loss of property at the Jesus Celebration Center Buxton, NCCK Office, PAG Church Ziwani, Mombasa Pentecostal Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church Ziwani and Salvation Army Church Majengo.
“We have completely failed to understand the logic that made the demonstrators associate the heinous murder of Aboud Rogo with the churches and other properties belonging to innocent Kenyans. The clear message is that these attacks are indicative of a deep seated hatred towards the churches whose cause is inexplicable” said NCCK in a statement issued by Rev Canon Peter Karanja, its General Secretary
In addition, NCCK said that it had been very perturbed that in the recent days, scores of Kenyans in Tana River, Mandera, Wajir and now Mombasa have lost their lives in the hands of politically motivated criminals and that it is only after the events that the presence of security personnel is witnessed.
“We are concerned that the skirmishes and the lawlessness that is building up is a prelude to greater violence nearer the elections as has happened in the past. What we cannot fathom is how a government that is charged with the responsibility of protecting its citizens perpetually plays catch up with the criminals and is clearly unable to protect its own people.
“We state here that the killers of Aboud Rogo as well as the instigators of violence against the churches, as well as those behind the clashes in Tana River, Mandera and Wajir must be brought to book. This calls for speedy investigations and decisive action by the security agencies. Failure to do this will be terror against justice. We further call upon the leaders of the Muslim community to condemn the attacks and restrain their followers. As Kenyans, we must not allow ourselves to sink into sectarian violence,” concluded Rev Karanja.
Meanwhile Mr Aeneas C Chuma UN Humanitarian Coordinator has issued a statement saying that… “I am deeply concerned by the inter-communal violence taking place in Tana River and Mandera counties, which has resulted in dozens of deaths, including a large number of children and women. These communities are today living in fear of retaliation, and the humanitarian consequences are severe. While the violence appears on the surface to be a long-standing conflict driven by competition for resources such as water and pasture, there is evidence to suggest the killings have a political component related to redrawing of political boundaries and next year’s general elections. I caution those who seek to manipulate innocent populations for political gain to give serious consideration to the consequences of their actions.”
He called upon all parties to resolve their differences through peaceful means, and urged the Government of Kenya to reinforce existing mechanisms and measures to prevent any further bloodshed.
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS AFRICA
“We have completely failed to understand the logic that made the demonstrators associate the heinous murder of Aboud Rogo with the churches and other properties belonging to innocent Kenyans. The clear message is that these attacks are indicative of a deep seated hatred towards the churches whose cause is inexplicable” said NCCK in a statement issued by Rev Canon Peter Karanja, its General Secretary
In addition, NCCK said that it had been very perturbed that in the recent days, scores of Kenyans in Tana River, Mandera, Wajir and now Mombasa have lost their lives in the hands of politically motivated criminals and that it is only after the events that the presence of security personnel is witnessed.
“We are concerned that the skirmishes and the lawlessness that is building up is a prelude to greater violence nearer the elections as has happened in the past. What we cannot fathom is how a government that is charged with the responsibility of protecting its citizens perpetually plays catch up with the criminals and is clearly unable to protect its own people.
“We state here that the killers of Aboud Rogo as well as the instigators of violence against the churches, as well as those behind the clashes in Tana River, Mandera and Wajir must be brought to book. This calls for speedy investigations and decisive action by the security agencies. Failure to do this will be terror against justice. We further call upon the leaders of the Muslim community to condemn the attacks and restrain their followers. As Kenyans, we must not allow ourselves to sink into sectarian violence,” concluded Rev Karanja.
Meanwhile Mr Aeneas C Chuma UN Humanitarian Coordinator has issued a statement saying that… “I am deeply concerned by the inter-communal violence taking place in Tana River and Mandera counties, which has resulted in dozens of deaths, including a large number of children and women. These communities are today living in fear of retaliation, and the humanitarian consequences are severe. While the violence appears on the surface to be a long-standing conflict driven by competition for resources such as water and pasture, there is evidence to suggest the killings have a political component related to redrawing of political boundaries and next year’s general elections. I caution those who seek to manipulate innocent populations for political gain to give serious consideration to the consequences of their actions.”
He called upon all parties to resolve their differences through peaceful means, and urged the Government of Kenya to reinforce existing mechanisms and measures to prevent any further bloodshed.
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS AFRICA
Comments