Kenya joins world in condemning terror attack in France, pledges support

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko leaves flowers outside the French Embassy in Kiev on November 14, 2015, to pay tribute to the victims of the deadly attacks in Paris. At least 128 people were killed in the Paris attacks on the evening of November 13, with 180 people injured, 80 of them seriously, police sources told AFP. AFP PHOTO

NAIROBI: Leaders from across the globe united in condemning the heinous terror attacks in the French capital of Paris that left at least 128 people dead and scores injured.

Yesterday, President Uhuru Kenyatta, in solidarity with the rest of the world’s leaders, pledged Kenya’s support in the war against terrorism.

The President referred to those who carried out the terror attack as enemies of humanity, saying one’s liberty should never be a right to harm others.

“Today, as in the years past, the people and the government of Kenya stand with France at a moment in which our common humanity has been attacked in Paris by terrorists, and innocent civilians murdered in cold blood,” he said in a statement, hours after gunmen stormed a stadium, cinema hall and restaurant where they detonated bombs and shot at people indiscriminately.

“As a nation that has suffered similar outrage, we understand that the attacks in Paris must be met with the strongest action by our security forces. We stand with them, in sorrow for their losses, but also with resolve to join them in fighting terrorist organisations and networks until democracy and liberty can be free from their evil threat,” the President said.

One voice

Coming at a time when France has committed its soldiers to the fight against terrorism in war-torn zones, Uhuru commended the French people for their commitment in fighting terrorism.

By the time of going to press last night, at least 128 people had been confirmed dead at six locations in the French capital, which is still recovering from jihadist attacks witnessed in January.

One of the targets in yesterday’s attack was the Stade de France stadium where President Francois Hollande was watching a football match between France and Germany and had to be hastily evacuated.

“Kenya stands ready to offer every assistance possible in this regard, and indeed we will continue to relentlessly prosecute our war against terrorist groups and their support networks,” President Kenyatta said.

His sentiments was echoed by Deputy President William Ruto, who appealed to the entire world to unite in fighting terror.

Opposition leaders also voiced their shock and disbelief at the extremist activities that happened in Paris. CORD leader Raila Odinga, who is currently out of the country, regretted that the attacks were reminiscent of the deadly 2013 Westgate massacre in Nairobi.

“The attack, like others, is abomination to the human conscience and stands condemned. Our prayers go out to families of those who have lost loved ones. The world now more than ever needs to speak with one voice against terror,” appealed Raila.
In faulting the occurrence, President Hollande described the tragedy as an abomination and a barbaric act of war, saying France will not let itself be overawed.

“And our fight will be merciless, because these terrorists that are capable of such atrocities need to know that they will be confronted by a France that is determined, unified and together,” he said.

The attacks happened just 10 days to Pope Francis’s debut tour of Africa, beginning with Kenya from November 25. The Pope also castigated the unfortunate incident, expressing shock at the increased wave of terror violence globally.

“We are shocked by this new manifestation of maddening, terrorist violence and hatred which we condemn in the most radical way together with the Pope and all those who love peace,” said a statement released Friday evening in Rome by the Vatican spokesman, the Rev Federico Lombardi.

As preparation for Papal visit gears up in Kenya, Inspector General Joseph Boinett has appealed to all Kenyans to be vigilant. In consoling the people of France, Mr Boinett, warned that the same terror threat remains real in Kenya.

“While we in the police have stepped up vigilance, we call on the public to exercise maximum level of alertness. I urge everyone to report any suspicious activity and/or persons to the police or any security agency for action,” said Boinett.

By early morning yesterday, Kenyans had made Paris a trending topic on Twitter, sending out their messages of condolence and encouragement to the French nationals.

Unfathomable act

National Assembly Leader of Majority Aden Duale, CORD co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka, Senate Leader of Majority Moses Wetang’ula and former Council of Governors Chairman Isaac Ruto were among the leaders who condoled with the French.

“Our hearts are with the people and government of France following the deadly horrific terrorist attack in Paris. My condolences,” said Duale on his Twitter handle.

Wetang’ula said: “Terror has no boundaries. My condolences to the French people following the cowardly terror attacks in Paris.”

Already, Germany has offered its special anti-terror unit to aid in the investigations, with Chancellor Angela Merkel saying the attack was aimed not just at Paris but to entire humanity.

“We are crying with you. Together with you, we will fight against those who have carried out such an unfathomable act against you,” promised Merkel.

Friday’s attack, the worst in Europe since the March 2004 Madrid bombings that claimed 191 lives, has made the French government declare a state of emergency and tightened its borders following the six coordinated attacks which the French President has attributed to the Islamic State extremist group.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon criticised the despicable terrorist attacks. He also demanded the immediate release of the numerous individuals reportedly being held hostage in the Bataclan theatre.