PHOTOS: AP
New developments in Kenya after Monday's twin grenade explosions in Nairobi. At least two people are dead and many are injured after the terrorist strikes at a crowded bus stop and Mwaura's, a gay friendly bar described as "popular with male sex workers and men who have sex with men." The terrorist attacks followed warnings by Somalia's al-Qaeda-backed militant group al-Shabaab.
A self-confessed member of the group has been sentenced to life in prison after confessing to the bus stop blast. Police recovered "13 grenades ... an AK-47 assault rifle, four revolvers and a sub-machine gun" in the home of 28-year-old Elgiva Bwire Oliacha.
The suspect confessed to magistrates and "laughed" in court, reports The Standard.
Nairobi Principal Magistrate, Grace Macharia handed down the sentence to Oliacha after he admitted causing grievous harm at Kaka Bus Stage along Race Course Road on Monday October 24. [...]
The offences, she observed, were aimed at killing victims and a deterrent sentence was necessary so as to serve not only the interest of public but to deter would be offenders. Soon after the magistrate left, the Al Shabaab member, who broke in laughter and broad smiles after being sentenced, said he was happy and had no regrets.
Police are hunting for accomplices in the attack at Mwaura's, reports Capital FM. At least 12 people were injured in the blast at the bar, three of them seriously, reports the Nairobi Star.
Two Kenyan men were charged today with being members of Al Shabaab. Both "denied being accomplices" of Oliacha.
Also: Three Kenyan security officers were wounded today in a suspected landmine blast. It is unclear if Al-Shabaab or local bandits are responsible.
Kenyan soldiers entered neighboring Somalia last week to fight al-Shabaab, which the government blames for kidnapping several tourists and aid workers.
Kenya's government is considered moderate on gay rights. They were the first African nation to include gay and bisexual men in their national HIV strategy. Two pro-LGBT justices were confirmed to the Supreme Court in June.
But there has been a backlash against calls to decriminalize homosexuality in the East African nation, such as one cabinet minister's proposal to scrap the nation's sodomy laws. Last November, Prime Minister Raila Odinga called for the mass arrests of gays at a political rally but later retracted his statements.
Some Background ...
KENYA: Pro-LGBT Justices Confirmed
Controversy in Kenya After Pro LGBT Nominees
Kenyan Prime Minister: "All Gays Should Be Arrested"
KENYA: Questions Surround Mandatory HIV Testing
AIDS 2010: Joel Nana on African Gay/Bi Men, HIV
WATCH: CNN Surveys Gay Rights in SA, Kenya, Cuba
Kenyan Gays Demand Protection After Brutal Assault
Kenya: "Things are Changing in Favor of Gays"
Homosexuality is Un-African?
Such a beautiful face with such an evil heart. You should be able to agree or disagree about something without wanting to kill or hurt others. Sad!
Posted by: Knut | 28 October 2011 at 13:48
Rod, thanks so much for staying on top of this story. You have done aces reporting on Africa.
Posted by: Gaston | 29 October 2011 at 18:15
more proof that black h8 is the worst hate...globally!!!
shame!!!!
Posted by: alicia banks | 02 November 2011 at 19:43