KENYA-Kenyan police have launched a massive security operation to arrest three gunmen who entered a church in Mombasa early on Sunday and opened fire on worshippers, killing three people and injuring 10 others.

Internal Security Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo confirmed that a major operation was underway to arrest the suspected terrorists who stormed Joy Church in Likoni, south of Mombasa County, and caused mayhem.

Iringo said the security forces had sealed off all exit areas in the location and were searching several places to arrest the three armed criminals whose identities were yet to be established.

“Three gunmen whose identities are yet to be established attacked Joyland church in Likoni at 10:00 and killed two people, a worshipper and a watchman,” Iringo said.

One person succumbed to injuries in hospital, bringing the death toll to three.

He said the incident took place as the police who were 100 metres away patrolling the area responded swiftly but unfortunately the gunmen managed to escape.

Likoni divisional police commander, Robert Mureithi, said the gunmen shot at the worshipers arbitrarily after entering the church.

Analysts said the attackers seem to have changed tactics and staged a gun attack on the church.

Witnesses said the three attackers entered the church, one wore a mask, the other a cap and another long scarf.

Those dead were a woman and a man said to be a watchman at the church.