Pastors in Kenya, have called for the right to carry firearms to defend themselves against “religious opponents”, in a further sign of increasing tension following terror attacks by Islamist extremists.
Recently, an assistant pastor was shot dead by gunmen believed to be part of the extremist group Al-Shabab in Mombasa.
The group is said to be getting stronger and has been responsible for massacres including the killing of 36 quarry workers in December, an incident which led to the resignation of the head of police and the replacement of Kenya’s interior minister.
Some pastors - Lambert Mbela of the Redeemed Gospel Church, MacDonald Kitwa of Good News Evangelical Centre, and Jeremiah Goodison had a meeting with Mombasa deputy county commissioner Salim Mahmoud asked permission to carry weapons.
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But the request was rejected by a member of the Administration and National Security Committee in Kenya’s National Assembly, Alice Wahome, saying it would increase lawlessness in the country.
Wahome added that the government needs to improve security in general and increase firearms for police officers instead of arming individuals.
Bishop Mbela has campaigned previously on the issue following the murders of two pastors in 2013.
Charles Mathole and Ibrahim Kithaka were killed in separate incidents. Mbela argued that church leaders should be trained on how to handle guns, saying: “We can provide security in our churches if we are given arms.”