Kenyan churches are tightening security after a lone attacker exploded a grenade inside an evangelical church in Nairobi on April 29, killing one person and injuring 15.
In Nigeria, a series of bombings during Sunday morning worship services killed at least four people in Maiduguri and 15 in Kano, with many injured.
The Geneva-based World Council of Churches said in a statement that its leadership is in close contact with member churches in Nigeria, Kenya and other areas where religious communities have come under fire in recent times. The council’s deputy general secretary, Georges Lemopoulos, pledged spiritual and practical support and called for prayer and solidarity with those affected.
In Nairobi, the attack at the God’s House of Miracles International Church occurred days after the U.S. embassy warned of an impending attack by al-Shabab, neighboring Somalia’s militant Islamist group.
“We condemn this attack in the strongest terms possible. This is a cowardly act that tells us that we need to be vigilant,” the Rev. David Gathanju, Presbyterian Church of East Africa moderator, said in an interview on April 30.
With the church centers coming under increased threat since Kenyan troops in October entered Somalia in pursuit of the militants, the leader said the churches have been reviewing their security. They have increased screening of vehicles and people arriving at worship.
“We are in discussions as churches to see how we can support each other. Plus we are getting help from the government. We believe this is a national issue, but while the government is doing something we also need to take care of our security,” he said.
Muslims leaders condemned the attack, with Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya organizing secretary, saying it was “insane” to attack places of worship.
“This is not a religious war. Christians and Muslims in this country have been living in peace. But these are people who want to interfere with our co-existence. I am happy Christians have been peaceful and we pray for them,” said Khalifa.
Just before Easter (April 8), one person died after suspected Islamists threw a grenade at an open prayer rally in the coastal city of Mombasa.
