Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has denied claims by international media that there is religious war in Kenya.

Mr. Musyoka called on them not to exaggerate the situation, saying Garissa will not be like Kabul.

He lauded the religious leaders in the area for accepting to remain united in order to maintain peace, saying it was important for all of us.

“Muslim leaders have assured us that they will soon start guarding the churches to ensure they are secure,” the Vice President said.

Mr. Musyoka urged religious leaders not to accept to be divided along religious lines.

He said that it was unacceptable for anybody to try and drive a wedge between Muslims and Christians in order to start fighting along to their faiths.

“I urge Kenyans to unite and be knowledgeable about people or groups that may attempt to divide you. We must shun the ideology of killing and maiming people,” he added.

The Vice President made the remarks today in Garissa when he led a high powered government delegation, which Included the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Ministers, Yusuf Haji (Defence),Mr. Mohamed Elmi (Northern Kenya Development), former Minister Najib Balala, Assistant Minister(Defence),Gen (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery among other senior government officers who visited to condole with the families who lost their loved ones.

They also visited the African Inland and Garissa Catholic Churches where worshippers were attacked by terrorists yesterday.

Over 15 people lost their lives among them two policemen and many others injured.

Mr. Musyoka assured that the government will strengthen the capacity of the security forces to ensure that such incidences don’t occur again.

He noted that all efforts are being made to ensure that those who were involved are arrested and prosecuted.

At the same time, the Vice President called on the International Community assist Kenya underwrite the cost of war in Somalia and urged them to the establishment of a stable government in Somalia.

Mr. Musyoka said the government was hosting over 500,000 refugees from Somalia, adding that if the country was stable they will be able to go back.

He assured that the AMISON forces are commited to ensuring that there is peace in Somalia, saying that Kenya was defending her national interests.

Mr. Odinga called on Kenyans to unite and give information to the security organs so that action can be taken, saying that it was not possible to guard all Kenyans at the same.

“Do not allow anyone to divide you on tribal lines. A desperate enemy is resulting to desperate attacks to churches”, he said.

Mr. Odinga said Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are sacrificing their lives in Somalia and urged all Kenyans to support them.

He assured that a lot of progress has been done and the troops are now ready to capture Kismayu.

Mr. Haji assured that all efforts are being to ensure that peace is maintained in the country, saying that such attacks should never happen again.

He said government will finance the cost of hospital bills and burial expenses of those have been affected.

Area Member of Parliament, Mr. Aden Duale said Garissa has over 20 churches and urged all Kenyans to unite and live harmoniously with one another.

He urged the residents not to accept to divide by anyone and added that nobody will be allowed to turn Garissa to be like Mogadishu or Kabul.

Mr. Duale added that Garissa people will support the government in order to achieve its aims in Somalia.

Bishop Silas Yego of African Inland Church called for joint peace committees between the security organs and religious leaders.

He appealed for unity amongst all the religious leaders.

Later, the leaders addressed a public Baraza at Garissa Primary.

VPPS
Garissa, July 2, 2012