Kenya: police launch investigations after church blast

One person was confirmed dead and 16 others seriously injured after an early morning grenade attack at a church in Nairobi, on Sunday 29 April. Police immediately launched investigations into the attack on the God's House of Miracles International Church in Ngara. The victims of the bombing were rushed to Guru Nanak and Kenyatta National hospitals.

The attacker is said to have entered the church posing as a worshipper. He hurled the grenade when part of the congregation moved to the front of the church for prayers. He then ran out of the church and brandished a gun at people who chased after him.

Authorities are warning Kenyans to be conscious of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity.

The attack comes barely a week after the US embassy warned of terror attacks in the city.

There have been a series of grenade attacks in the country since Kenyan troops entered Somalia in October 2011 - the most recent ones being two simultaneous grenade attacks in Mtwapa, Mombasa that left one person dead and ten others seriously injured.

The Mtwapa incidents occurred when a grenade was hurled at a group of Christians attending a church crusade and another hurled at View Stadium bar.

Another attack also occurred at a busy bus terminus in Nairobi. Meanwhile in Kano, in the north part of Nigeria, an assault was launched by a group of armed men on a theatre used by Christian students for religious celebrations, inside a University building. At least 20 people died in the attack. According to various sources there were three separate explosions and then gunfire followed. Police and army surrounded the University and are chasing the attackers.

In the last few months Kano has seen several bloody attacks at the hands of the Islamic sect Boko Haram that wants to impose Sharia law in the country. The attacks have affected hundreds of victims, mostly innocent civilians.

The Vatican has condemned the incidents. "The new terrorist attacks in Kenya and Nigeria at Christian celebrations are horrible and despicable acts," Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said. "We must be close to victims and communities that suffer just as they are peacefully celebrating a faith that wants love and peace for all," he said. "We must encourage the whole population.... not to give in to the temptation to fall into the vicious circle of homicidal hatred," he added.

Source: CISA