Muslims, Christians remember deadly Garissa church attacks

Hundreds of Muslims and Christian faithful on Sunday gathered at African Inland Church (AIC) in Garissa to commemorate four years since the deadly terror attack that left 20 people dead and scores injured in 2012.

Speaking to the press after attending the service, area county commissioner James Kainda said that the church attack had unified Muslims and Christians, adding that security had improved in the area due to cooperation between different stakeholders.

He added that terrorists do not discriminate when attacking, noting that they target public spaces such as churches, buses, social gatherings, restaurants and police convoys, and assured that security agents are working hard to ensure such attacks will not be witnessed in future.

The church’s pastor, Eliud Mule, thanked the government for improving security in the area and urged the state to do more for the victims, some of whom are still undergoing treatment in various hospitals.

He noted that most of the victims are struggling to pay heavy hospital bills and have been drained economically.

He stated that some church faithful broke bones in their legs while one has grenade shrapnel stuck near his heart, adding that they all need medical assistance.

The deadly attacks took place during the church’s morning sermons on July 1, 2012 and left 20 dead and about 40 wounded.

Officials said that the attack was executed using a combination of hand grenades and gunfire on two churches, the African Inland Church and a Catholic Church in Garissa Town.