32 suspects arrested over attacks

By Cyrus Ombati

Police are questioning 32 suspects in connection with the Sunday attacks on two churches in Garissa town where 17 people were killed.

The suspects were arrested after the police conducted a swoop in the town.

They are being held at separate police stations as investigations and hunt for more suspects continue.

More police officers were moved to the North Eastern region as part of efforts to tame what officials called more planned attacks by extremists who are taking advantage of the ongoing military operations in Somalia.

It has been confirmed the grenades used in the attacks were manufactured in Russia. All top police commanders have now been ordered to beef up security in their areas.

The commanders held meetings in their respective areas of jurisdiction to convey the message to the other officers on the ground on Tuesday.

Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said the operations would continue to ensure that the suspects behind the attacks are nabbed.

crucial information

“The officers are talking to suspects who we hope will provide crucial information to help us in getting the criminals,” said Kiraithe.

He at the same time urged for co-operation from the locals in ensuring the criminals  are nabbed.

“The attackers are from the area and locals probably know them. It is their duty to co-operate for us to succeed.”

So far, preliminary findings show the attackers at the local Catholic and AIC churches were extremists who want to take advantage of the situation in Somalia to cause fear among residents.

Since Kenyan troops moved to Somalia to crush Al-Shabaab militants, more than 60 people have been killed in attacks linked to the rag tag group.

In the Sunday incidents, men wearing balaclavas stormed the AIC Church after grabbing two rifles from two police officers they had killed outside the premise.

They then sprayed bullets on the congregation killing 17 and injuring more than 60 others. Another group of attackers threw two grenades into the Catholic Church injuring three people.