Assailants attack 2 churches in Kenya; 18 die

GARISSA, Kenya — At least 18 people died while 66 were wounded in Kenya’s northeastern town of Garissa on July 1 when assailants burst into the Africa Inland Church (AIC) and Catholic Church, shooting at worshipers with firearms and detonating grenades. Two policemen guarding the AIC churches were among those killed. Four of the injured were initially in critical condition in Nairobi hospitals at press time.

Eyewitnesses told Open Doors USA in telephone interviews that the attackers approached the AIC church, shot the two policemen guarding the church at point blank range, took their guns and started shooting at worshipers. 

At the Catholic Church the attackers apparently jumped over a fence and started shooting at people standing near the church. Three church members were killed before the attackers fled.

“These brazen attacks on innocent Christian worshipers are horrific,” said Open Doors USA President/CEO Carl Moeller. 

 Police said they have identified suspects in the attacks.