President Kenyatta condemns terror attacks in Sri Lanka
State House spokesperson Kanze Dena-Mararo in one of her past State functions
BY KANZE DENA
And MWAKERA MWAJEFA
President Uhuru Kenyatta has condemned the Sri Lanka attacks while calling for the world to unite in the fight against terrorism.
Through his State House spokesperson Kanze Dena – Mararo, the President received with shock and indignation the news of the dastardly terrorist attacks where hundreds of people are reported dead and many others injured in a series of coordinated bomb blasts.
He sent his heartfelt condolences to President Maithripala Sirisena, the Government and the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lank.
Terming the attack as “heinous and cowardly” act, President Kenyatta said innocent people who were attending Easter Church Service and others celebrating the holiday (hotels) lost their lives for no apparent reasons.
The President condemned in the strongest terms the deadly attack and assured the Government and the people of Sri Lanka that Kenya stands with them during this difficult time.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey our deepest condolences and sympathies to you, your esteemed Government, the families of the victims and the people of Sri Lanka,” he said in a message to the President of Sri Lanka.
“Excellency, we have faced mindless terrorist massacres in our own country and we stand with our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters in prayer during this difficult period. We pledge our total support to your Government in working together to fight the evil of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
He urged the world to join hands in the fight against terrorism terming it an evil and a terrible scourge that should be wiped out completely from the face of the earth.
Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo has also condemned the terror attacks saying innocent people gathering in a place of worship or enjoying a holiday meal have been cut short by brutal nature of radical terrorists whose sole aim is to threaten peace and security.
Condoling the families and friends of those killed, Mr Pompoe wished those injured quick recovery.
“While many details of the attacks are still emerging, we can confirm that several U.S. citizens were among those killed,” he added.
According to him the U.S. Embassy is working tirelessly to provide all possible assistance to the American citizens affected by the attacks and their families.
Saying the vile attacks are a stark reminder of why the United States remains resolved in their fight to defeat terrorism, Mr Pompoe promised US would support the Sri Lankan government and its people to confront violent extremism.
The US government also offered to assist the country as it worked to bring the perpetrators to justice.
At least 207 people have been killed and over 450 injured in a series of explosions targeting churches holding Easter services (April 21, 2019) and hotels in Sri Lanka where among those who lost their lives are three UK nationals, two Turkish, a Dutch, a Chinese, a Portuguese and unspecified number of US nationals.
