29th May 2012
His Excellency Hon. Mwai Kibaki
President of the Republic of Kenya,
Nairobi
Kenya
Your Excellency,
RE: CONDEMNING THE BLAST INCIDENT IN NAIROBI ON 28TH MAY 2012
On behalf of Inter Faith Action for Peace in Africa - IFAPA, I join many Kenyans and the international community in expressing our shock and concern regarding the explosion that rocked Assanand's House in Nairobi CBD on the 28th May 2012. I send my sincere sympathies to those injured and wish them quick recovery and condole with those coming to terms with the loss of property and livelihood.
We also commend the swift action of the emergency services personnel for their rapid response in aiding the 35 victims of the explosion and in securing the site of the blast. It is my hope that the Kenyan police and security agents are successful in their investigations to establish the origin and motives of this incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mr. President, IFAPA strongly denounces any acts of violence perpetrated on innocent civilians as unjustified and unacceptable. I have noted with great concern that in recent months, Kenya has experienced incidents of grenade attacks on civilians going about their daily lives; and that these attacks are linked to Kenya's efforts to curb the critical threats presented by the Al Shabaab militant group operating within Somalia. While it is yet to be confirmed that this is the work of terrorists, this incident is bound to heighten the fear and insecurity in the hearts of Kenyan citizens.
I would like to take this opportunity to once again re-iterate the need to maintain peace and stability in the Republic of Kenya. These acts of violence serve to destabilize Kenya and have serious implications on her sovereignty and continued prosperity. IFAPA strongly condemns any acts of terrorism and violence and recognizes that Kenya has the right to defend her national sovereignty. It is towards this goal that I urge the Kenyan Government to continue to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of Kenyans and in addressing security issues and gaps in the country. Instability in Kenya will have far reaching effects not only to the East African region but also to Africa as a whole.
Mr. President Kenya has additionally maintained an impeccable record over the years in hosting refugees and other asylum seekers. We commend the regional role that Kenya has played in hosting asylum seekers as part of her international responsibility. It is our hope and prayer that you and your Government will continue this exemplary gesture of honoring your international obligation while confronting these unacceptable acts of violence being directed at your people.
In this time of uncertainty, I implore all religious leaders in Kenya and Africa, to continue being at the forefront of advocating for peace and tolerance. Violence only begets violence and it comes with too high a price for it to be considered as an option.
Yours Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Ishmael Noko,
IFAPA President