Clerics: Find global answer to terrorism

The head of the Catholic Church in Kenya, John Cardinal Njue, carries a cross as he leads Christian faithful on the way of the cross to mark Good Friday in Nairobi, Friday. [Photo: Fidelis Kabunyi/Standard]

Kenya: Condemnation of Garissa terror attack dominated messages during Easter celebrations nationwide, Friday.

At the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, John Cardinal Njue led faithful in marking Good Friday but the mood remained somber after Kenyans woke up to learn that 147 people lost their lives in the attack.

Cardinal Njue said the threat terrorism posed to the country remains a tremendous challenge to the government.

"Let us keep praying for a solution to be found soon for everyone to live peacefully," he said.

He pointed out that Kenya is a great country and wondered why it was a target of terrorism.

"Let us hope the government will handle the crisis in a manner that it will guarantee the future generation a bright future," he added.

Njue called on Kenyans to get along with their neighbours irrespective of where they come from or their religious affiliations.

Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Eliud Wabukala called on the world to stand with Kenya as it comes to terms with the Garissa attack.

Wabukala said global leaders must come together in fighting terrorism which continues to affect innocent citizens not only in Kenya, but across the globe.

"I call upon the international community to help solve this problem because the challenge of terrorism has now assumed a global dimension. Leaders should come together and look at ways of addressing the problem," Wabukala said at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi.

Pope Francis also condemned the assault by Somali militants calling it an act of "senseless brutality".

"In union with all people of good will throughout the world, His Holiness condemns this act of senseless brutality and prays for a change of heart among its perpetrators," Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said in a statement.

He called upon "all those in authority to redouble their efforts in bringing such violence to an end".

Kakamega Diocese Catholic Church Bishop Joseph Obanyi condemned the attack and urged the security apparatus to enhance security.

Speaking to the press at St Joseph Cathedral Church in Kakamega, he asked Kenyans to be on the forefront in the fight against insecurity.

"I condemn the incident, it is unfortunate that we have lost young and innocent souls in the hands of terrorists," said Bishop Obanyi.

He called on every Kenyan to report any suspicious security threats to security officers for immediate action.

"Insecurity is a great threat to this nation, as a country we must put in more efforts to end these incidents," said Bishop Obanyi.