Kenya Condemns Russia Terror Attack That Killed Over 115 People on Friday

Kenya has joined the international community in strongly condemning the horrific terrorist attack that struck a concert venue in Moscow, Russia on March 22, 2024.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has expressed outrage at the incident, characterizing it as a savage act that constitutes a blatant assault on the fundamental values of humanity. The attack unfolded near Moscow's Crocus City, reportedly targeting a large Christian gathering in Krasnogorsk. Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the assault, which involved gunmen wielding automatic weapons and explosives. The gunmen reportedly targeted concertgoers at close range, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 115 individuals and injuring a further 187.

A massive fire erupted at the venue following the detonation of explosives. Mudavadi has emphasized the stance of the Kenyan government on the issue, stating that terrorism and violent extremism, in all their forms, are unjustifiable and inexcusable. He extends Kenya's unwavering condemnation of this heinous act and expresses heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent victims. Kenya stands in solidarity with the people and government of Russia during this difficult time, offering its support and wishing for a swift and complete recovery for all those impacted by this despicable attack.

As investigations into the atrocity progress, authorities have apprehended 11 individuals believed to be involved in the attack. This assault marks the deadliest terrorist attack in Russia since the horrific Beslan school siege of 2004. While the investigation into the Moscow concert hall attack progresses, Russia's Investigative Committee has yet to release details regarding the fate of the assailants, according to state news agency RIA. Music producer Alexei, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, described the harrowing experience. He recounted hearing bursts of gunfire and screams as he prepared to enter the venue. Recognizing the sound of automatic weapons, Alexei instinctively understood the unfolding tragedy.

Chaos erupted as concertgoers scrambled for the exits, some even resorting to climbing over one another in desperation. A similar account emerged from another anonymous witness who spoke to Reuters. He described a stampede within the venue, with panicked attendees running towards the escalators and screaming. Dorsa Jabbari of Al Jazeera reporting from Moscow indicated that while the city wasn't under lockdown or curfew, authorities had cancelled various events, including concerts, over the weekend. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin expresses profound grief over the incident, calling it a major tragedy. President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that the President was consistently updated on the situation.

Additionally, state news agency TASS reports that Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova conveyed President Putin's well wishes for a swift recovery to the injured victims. Following a warning from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) regarding an imminent attack by "extremists," the US embassy in Moscow issued a similar advisory. Later, on Friday night, a US official confirmed that Washington had received intelligence corroborating ISIL's claim of responsibility for the attack on Crocus City Hall. Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has condemned the incident as a "violent terrorist attack."