Kenya travel advice for today as more killings take place in a church

This morning at least two people, now possibly four, were killed in Mombasa, and more than ten others injured following a gun attack at a church in the city. RPS says that though the police seem to be increasing the security in Mombasa, it does not seem to be enough to stop the attacks, which are reaching overwhelming proportions.

The attack occurred when gunmen stormed the Joy Jesus Church in Likoni and opened fire at worshippers.

The Nation newspaper reports on the attack and links to the full story are here: http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2014/03/two-worshippers-dead-in-mombasa-church-attack

“Two people have been killed, they were shot by gunmen who shot indiscriminately at worshippers and fled,” local police chief Robert Mureithi said on telephone from the scene, where the man and woman lay lifeless.

“We have reports of about ten others injured and they have been taken to hospital, we cannot speak about the nature of their injuries now,” he said, without immediately linking the incident to terrorism. The death toll now looks like it may be four as two more people died in hospital.

Al Shabaab militants have previously committed similar attacks in Nairobi, Mombasa and towns bordering Somalia—killing several people in what they said was a retaliation of the Kenyan military incursion in their lawless country. 

The attack comes after a large Improvised Explosive Device was found on the 17th March, barely a week ago, together with some weapons, which were found in a car impounded by police in Mombasa. Local media reported that Kenyan police believed there were additional similar bombs in the wider region. Nothing further has been confirmed in this respect.

On Saturday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku assured Kenyans that security had been beefed up in the coastal city and other parts of the country, to fight terrorism. Whether this is enough to stop another attack remains to be seen.

The British Foreign Office has now issued further advice for its citizens. "There is a possibility of further disturbances in the Mombasa area. Likoni is the area where the ferry runs from Mombasa to Southern beach and tourist resorts. We advise British citizens to follow local news, look out for further updates to this travel advice, and remain vigilant at all times".

RPS would go one step further to say just for today any worshippers should consider offering prayers at home, in case of copycat incidents.

For travel advice to Kenya, please contact us at [email protected]

Photo: with thanks to MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD. A survivor of the Likoni church shooting being treated at the Coast General Hospital.