THE chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has called on the government to strengthen the intelligence services, in the wake of the terrorist attack on a Nairobi mall on September 21.
Cardinal John Njue encouraged Kenyans not to lose hope and to work together for the benefit and well being of the nation.
During his visit to MP Shah and Agha Khan Hospitals where most of the Westgate terror attack victims were receiving treatment, Cardinal Njue prayed for the sick and wished them quick recovery and also expressed his gratitude to the doctors, nurses and personnel at the hospitals for tireless commitment to save lives.
He conveyed condolences of the Kenyan bishops conference to the bereaved families with the assurance the Church was close to them in prayer at this moment of grief.
While condemning the terrorist act, he lauded the government’s rapid response.
And Kenya’s Catholic leaders praised their fellow citizens for “the Kenyan spirit.”
The bishops praised security officers for their service, ordinary Kenyans for donations of blood, “the sacrifices of those working in health services; all who have volunteered in any way to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in danger.”
The statement said Catholics sent condolences to all Kenyans, “especially those who have lost loved ones and friends in the Westgate (mall) hostage crisis. It is a time of great pain and sorrow for all Kenyans as the innocent people brutally lose their lives.”
Extremists from al-Shabab, an affiliate of al-Qaida, stormed Nairobi’s Westgate mall September 21, throwing grenades and firing on civilians.
Kenyan authorities described the extremists as “a multinational collection from all over the world.”
At least 68 people were killed and at least 175 injured.
CNS/Zenit
