15 injured in explosive attack on church in Kenya

15 injured in explosive attack on church in Kenya

MRIMA, Kenya — Assailants on a motorbike threw an explosive device into a church compound in southeastern Kenya on June 9, injuring 15 people.

Two pastors were among the wounded from the explosion at an evangelistic service of Earthquake Miracle Ministry Church in Mrima village, near the coastal town of Likoni, Mombasa District. 

David Njoroge, pastor of the Worldwide Gospel Church, told Morning Star News that both legs of assistant pastor Collins Maseno were broken in the blast and he was in critical condition, and senior pastor Dominic Osano sustained serious injuries to his hand and the back of his neck. 

The blast occurred at 7 p.m., Njoroge said, adding that the weapon appeared to be a homemade fuel bomb, though area press quoted police as saying it was a hand grenade. A 10-year-old boy, Dominic Maseno, was reportedly among the injured.

Islamic extremists from Somalia’s rebel group Al Shabaab have been suspected in previous attacks in the coastal areas of Kenya.

Mombasa police said they were searching for the assailants.