AFRICA/KENYA - The Bishops: "Who knows must denounce the terrorists; the government has to address the obvious breakdown in the security intelligence system"

Friday, 10 April 2015

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - "We hope the Government will get to the bottom of this problem of terrorism and radicalization with a view to proactively stemming such incidences from recurring", said the message of condolence for the massacre in Garissa, signed on behalf of all the Kenyan Bishops, by Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop of Nairobi and President of the Episcopal Conference of Kenya.
148 people were killed in the assault by Somali Shabaab in Garrisa University College, and the message invites the institutions of the Church to provide assistance to victims and their families. "In the meantime - writes Cardinal Njue – we urge the Government to beef up security especially in all educational institutions in the Country and also address the now obvious breakdown in the security intelligence system".
The assault was committed with the complicity of Kenyan citizens, a fact that is highlighted in the message. "It is saddening that many Kenyan youths are being radicalized to commit acts of terrorism against their fellow citizens. (...).It is unfortunate that some terrorists are living among us yet we are not reporting them to the relevant authorities".
"While the Government is expected to provide security to all the people in all parts of the Country, we observe that all of us have a responsibility to support the Government by being vigilant and providing information on any suspicious persons and items within our immediate environment", said the message.
The Bishops also ask the Ministry of Education to carefully vet all employees "to ensure that they are not used to radicalize students and recruit them to join subversive groups". Religious leaders are asked to desist from "teaching and preaching hatred for people who do not subscribe to their religion and doctrines, and recognize that everybody believes in a Supreme Being. Everybody has an inalienable right to life and fundamental freedoms, especially to religious beliefs". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/04/2015)


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