AP dies in explosion, 13 worshippers injured

By Boniface Ongeri and Cyrus Ombati

GARISSA, KENYA: An Administration Police officer was killed and at least 13 other worshippers injured in an explosion at a church in Garissa Town.

Witnesses and police said the explosion occurred after what is believed to have either been a motor thrown or grenade landed in the Administration Police church. The church had more than 40 worshippers at the time.

Witnesses told the police that the explosive that went off at about 10am was thrown from outside. It penetrated the roof before landing inside.

“It is believed to be either a motor or a grenade. We are not sure yet,” said a police officer who was at the scene.

The deceased was a corporal who also served as the pastor of the Utawala Interdenominational Church.

Garissa police boss George Losku said the injured included a two-month old baby and ten women.

He said the victim, identified as Julius Mkonzi, died while undergoing treatment at the Garissa Provincial Hospital.

Number plates

“Two of the injured will be referred to Nairobi for further treatment. The rest are in stable condition according to doctors,” he said.

Garissa County Commissioner Mohammed Maalim regretted that a huge crowd formed at the scene, preventing security officers from arresting the suspects. “We have security officers in patrol vehicles and on foot on standby at every corner but whenever an explosion occurs the crowd dashes to the scene making it very difficult to zero in on the attackers,” he said.

He said police officers were being killed yet community was doing little to help flash out the criminals.

The commissioner also said that vehicles with foreign or concealed number plates will be treated as suspicious and be impounded.

A witness Beth Mwathi, 15, said they were praying when the explosion ripped off the roof.

Tension remained high in Garissa town and its environs as shops and other business premises were closed down after the incident.

There was more confusion after a man believed to be part of the attackers tried to shoot into the church from a distance.

Witnesses say other AP officers pursued him but he vanished into the town.

Police were immediately mobilised to hunt down the attackers who many believe are followers of Somalia’s Al-Shabaab militants.

Unknown assailants

This is the third attack on churches in Garissa since the KDF launched an offensive against Al-shabaab militants in Somalia.

The incident came days after a police officer was shot dead by unknown assailants on Tuesday. A second officer who was wounded has been flown to Nairobi where he is receiving treatment.

Police said the officers were attacked on Tuesday night as they walked to work by attackers who escaped on foot.