Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist attacks carried out yesterday on two churches in the Kenyan town of Garissa which have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people and wounded many more. These attacks, which deliberately targeted places of worship, are reprehensible and criminal.

No cause can justify the indiscriminate targeting of civilians. The perpetrators of these attacks, and of other recent terrorist acts in Kenya, must be held to account.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Kenya.

New York, 2 July 2012