Kenya condemns Russia terror attack as death toll hits 60

Kenya has condemned Friday's bloody terror attack in the Russian capital of Moscow, in which more than 60 people were killed and at least 100 wounded.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Principal Secretary Korir Singo'ei both denounced the attack in posts on X.

Mudavadi, also the prime cabinet secretary, said the "senseless" incident "is barbaric and counter to all fundamental principles of our shared humanity".

"We convey our deep sympathies to all those affected by this heinous act. My brother and counterpart, Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation - be assured that Kenya strongly and unequivocally condemns this atrocious act and stands with you in mourning the loss of innocent lives," he said.

He added that "acts of terrorism and violent extremism are unjustifiable and inexcusable" and "an assault on humanity’s collective moral consciousness."

"In these difficult circumstances, Kenya stands in solidarity with the resilient people and government of Russia and hopes for a quick recovery for all affected by this vile attack," Mudavadi said.

A view shows the burning Crocus City Hall concert hall in Moscow, Russia, following a terror attack on March 22, 2024. (Photo: Olga Maltseva/AFP)

Singo'ei said the terror attack was a stark reminder of the threat terrorism poses globally.

"We condemn this horrendous and senseless attack on civilians and urge greater international cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism. A fragmented and unravelling global order only aids the machinations of perpetrators of terror," he said.

@ForeignOfficeKE joins the world in mourning all those who have lost their lives in the brutal terrorist attack at the Сroсus City Hall venue in Moscow, Russia Federation. We condemn this horrendous and senseless attack on civilians and urge greater international cooperation…

— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) March 23, 2024

In the incident, men in camouflage broke into the Crocus City concert hall in Moscow's northern Krasnogorsk suburb and opened fire, shooting indiscriminately at people attending a rock concert.

Russian state media reported that the assailants fired automatic rifles and tossed what was either a hand grenade or incendiary device from the main entrance of the venue ahead of a performance by the Russian band, Piknik.

The building was set alight, and images from the scene showed flames and heavy smoke billowing out.

The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the attack but did not provide proof of the report, which was made by the ISIS-affiliated news agency, Amaq, on Telegram.

Russia's Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said 115 people were hospitalised, including five children, one of whom was in grave condition. Of the 110 adult patients, 60 were in serious condition.

Authorities said a "terrorist" investigation had been started and Russian President Vladimir Putin was receiving "constant" updates, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies.

Russia's National Guard said it was on the scene and looking for the perpetrators. An AFP reporter saw police officers with sniffer dogs inspecting vehicles parked next to the building.

Emergency services vehicles are seen outside the burning Crocus City Hall concert hall following the shooting incident in Krasnogorsk, outside Moscow, on March 22, 2024. (Photo: Stringer/AFP)

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Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova termed a "bloody terrorist attack."

"The whole international community must condemn this odious crime," she said on Telegram.

The US presidency called the attack "terrible" and said there was no immediate sign of any link to the conflict in Ukraine.

Ukraine's presidency said Kyiv had "nothing to do" with the attack, while its military intelligence called the incident a Russian "provocation" and charged that Moscow special services were behind it.

The Freedom of Russia Legion, a pro-Ukrainian militia responsible for attacks on Russia's border regions, also denied any role.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev vowed on Telegram that Ukraine's top officials "must be found and ruthlessly destroyed as terrorists" if they were linked to the attack.

The United Nations, European Union, France, Spain, Italy and several other countries also condemned the attack.

The White House said its "thoughts are with the victims of this terrible shooting attack,"  while French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed "solidarity with the victims, their loved ones and all the Russian people".

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent his "condolences" to his Russian counterpart, saying he "firmly supports the Russian government's efforts to safeguard its national security and stability,"  according to state-run news agency Xinhua.

Orthodox church leader Patriarch Kirill was "praying for peace for the souls of the dead,"  said his spokesman, Vladimir Legoyda.