Kenyan Catholic leaders praise citizen reaction during hostage crisis

NAIROBI, Kenya - As Kenyan security forces worked to end a standoff at an upscale mall in Nairobi, the nation's Catholic leaders praised their fellow citizens for "the Kenyan spirit."

In a statement released Sept. 23, two days after the attack and hostage crisis began, and as Kenyan military launched what was hoped to be the final assault against the terrorists, the bishops praised security officers for their service, ordinary Kenyans for donations of blood, "the sacrifices of those working in health services; all who have volunteered in any way to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in danger."

The statement said Catholics sent condolences to all Kenyans, "especially those who have lost loved ones and friends in the Westgate (mall) hostage crisis. It is a time of great pain and sorrow for all Kenyans as the innocent people brutally lose their lives."

Extremists from al-Shabab, an affiliate of al-Qaida, stormed Nairobi's Westgate mall Sept. 21, throwing grenades and firing on civilians. Kenyan authorities described the extremists as "a multinational collection from all over the world."

At least 62 people were killed and at least 175 injured. Two of the dead are Canadians — Annemarie Desloges, a liaison officer with the Canada Border Service Aency, and Vancouver businessman Naguib Damji.

The church statement was signed by Bishop Philip Anyolo of Homa Bay, Kenya, vice president of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops.