Grenade found inside Lamu church

EAST AFRICA NEWS




A hand grenade that was thrown at a tourist van last year near Mtongwe corner, Mombasa but failed to detonate. PHOTO | file

By Kalume Kazungu

IN SUMMARY

Mr Sigei said the device was in a dangerous state without the safety pin, adding that it would have exploded if it had fallen to the ground or been tampered with in any way.

A hand grenade was yesterday found inside a church in Mpeketoni, Lamu. According to Lamu West OCPD Joseph Sigei, the device which had had its safety pin removed was found on a table inside the church yesterday morning.

Mr Sigei said the device was in a dangerous state without the safety pin, adding that it would have exploded if it had fallen to the ground or been tampered with in any way.

“It is a real grenade and apparently has been there since last Sunday. It is a small one of about 200 grammes... nobody suspected anything and it might possibly have been placed on the table by a kid who had been playing with it. Had it fallen down or been touched by something, then it would have gone off,” he said.

The device was taken to Mpeketoni police station and put inside a safety room as the authorities awaited the arrival of bomb disposal experts from Mombasa.

Report Unusual Objects, Persons

As a result of the incident, security in Lamu County was beefed up.

Mr Sigei said patrols had been intensified especially in areas around the church and all other churches in Mpeketoni town.

The OCPD called on residents to report any unusual objects to the security forces and assured residents that everything was under control.

“The people should know that issues to do with security are not just the work of the police but rather everyone’s responsibility. They should report any unusual objects, persons or incidents to the nearest police offices. We are on high alert but the residents should rest assured that everything is under control. We are in communication with the bomb experts who have assured us that they are on their way.

“Meanwhile, two of my officers have been placed at the church premises and the service is on,” said Mr Sigei.

He said the police were yet to establish who placed the grenade in the church and what their motive was but added that investigations were underway.