NAIROBI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday condemned the London terror attacks that left at least seven dead and 48 others injured late Saturday night.
Kenyatta, whose country has suffered increased attacks from Somalia Islamist group, Al-Shabaab, reaffirmed Kenya's support for Prime Minister Theresa May and the brave and resilient people of the United Kingdom.
"President Kenyatta believes that such measures are crucial to complementing strong counter terrorism efforts by states to deliver lasting security and protect social cohesion," State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
He said Kenyatta believes that an atmosphere of extremism fostered by individuals and groups that exploit religion and open, democratic societies is adding to the global terrorist threat.
His remarks came as police carried out raids in east London and arrested 12 people in connection with the attacks. Reports say one of the raided homes belonged to one of the three terrorists involved in the attacks.
The Saturday's terror attack began around 10 p.m. local time when a white van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on London Bridge.
Three men jumped out of the van with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market, police and witnesses said.
Prime Minister May confirmed that 48 people were being treated in hospitals across London and many had life-threatening injuries.
The city's ambulance service said 80 medics responded to the scene. A courageous cop was one of the wounded. He confronted the three knife-wielding assailants armed only with a baton. He is reportedly on a stable condition was stabbed in the face, head and a leg.
In his statement, Kenyatta called for a concerted stand by states, civil society and all citizens against extremism, to delegitimize fanatical ideologies, and stem radicalization.
He welcomed enhanced collaboration with the UK and all other countries targeted by terrorists and extremists.
Meanwhile, Kenya's main opposition leader Raila Odinga also condemned the London attack and called on world leaders to unite in war on terrorism.
Odinga who is vying for the presidency conveyed their condolences and wished quick recovery for those hurt.
"We wish quick recovery to the wounded and urge the nation to stay strong and united in the face of this tragedy," he said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
