Worshippers light candles during the inter-denominational prayers in memory of the Garissa University College students killed by terrorists on May 11, 2015. During the service at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, clerics urged the country not to forget those who died.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Religious leaders from the mainstream churches on Monday put pressure on President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government to improve security.
At an emotional memorial service for the 142 students who were killed by terrorists during an attack on the Garissa University College last month, the clerics, who included John Cardinal Njue of the Catholic Church and Archbishop Eliud Wabukala of the Anglican Church, also called for unity between Christians and Muslims.
They spoke in Nairobi in the wake of recent terrorist attacks, which have targeted Christians. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the killings.
As the clerics were leading prayers on the atrocity, the worst since the Westgate massacre of September 2013, Zombe AIC Girls Secondary was closed down only hours after suspected terrorists were said to have targeted the institution run by the African Independent Church.
Shots were fired on Sunday nights as police sought to flush out five men suspected to have been planning an attack.
The school in Kitui County sent students home as the local police boss said security had been beefed up in other institutions within the region as the five suspects remained at large.
During Monday’s memorial at Ufungamano House, Archbishop Wabukala said the 142 students who were killed by terrorists should not be forgotten. He proposed that the attack be commemorated every year in May.
While calling on the authorities to ensure security for every Kenyan, the Most Rev Wabukala regretted that the country had not learnt any lessons from past terrorist attacks.
“We should not continue to condone the culture of short memory, this (attack) is an event which should not be forgotten,” he said. “Those who lost loved ones should get justice.”
He regretted that while the police arrest terrorism suspects, the conclusion of the cases against them was not always known to the public.
“Justice should be seen to be realised,” he said.
Cardinal Njue asked religious leaders to preach peace and counsel the youth to ensure that they do not fall into the trap of radicalisation.
INTERLLECTUAL DIALOGUE
“We must launch an intellectual dialogue with other religious leaders to build peace,” he said, but added that the loss of innocent lives, such as the killing of innocent students, must not be allowed to happen again.
His sentiments were echoed by Mombasa Diocese Bishop Martin Kivuva, who said fear had engulfed many Kenyans following the increased terrorist attacks and especially the devastating one at the Garissa University College.
“We should not revenge but we should pray and show love to those not of our Christian faith,” he said.
During the raid on the university college on April 2, Muslim students were not harmed. Other attacks, including the shooting of 28 people — most of them teachers — in a bus travelling from Garissa to Nairobi last November, have also targeted Christians.
Another institution in Garissa, a branch of the Kenya Medical Training College, was also closed due to fears that the students could be attacked.
A month ago, a student died on the Kikuyu Campus of the University of Nairobi, after a terrorist scare sparked by exploding electricity cables.
Over 100 others were injured in the ensuing stampede as some jumped from hostel windows during the early morning incident.
And two weeks ago, eight international medical students left the Maua Methodist Hospital, about 50 kilometres from Meru town, due to a terrorist attack scare.
Four were from the Hong Kong University in China while the other four were from Texas University in the United States.
And speaking in Meru on Monday, a former Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Moderator, the Rev David Gathanju, called for paramilitary training in learning institutions to enable students defend themselves during terrorist attacks.
Speaking at Gitoro PCEA Church during the laying of the church’s foundation, the Rev Gathanju also proposed that the government set aside more funds for fight insecurity.
Already, the National Treasury has increased allocation to the police and military in the next Budget to improve security. The Budget estimates will be presented in Parliament next month.
On Monday, other evangelical church leaders also called for unity between Christians and Muslims.
The Rev Silas Yego of the African Inland Church, the Rev Joseph Ntombura of the Methodist Church, and Bishop Mark Kariuki of Deliverance Church, joined in the Ufungamano prayers, which also included a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of those who were killed.
“It is important as a church to become one and speak in one voice,” said Bishop Kariuki.
The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Christian Turner, was also present during the service.