Muslims save 20 Christians from deadly attack in Kenya

When local Muslims heard of a planned al-Shabaab attack against non-local Christians working in the area, they were quick to send warning.

When Muslims in Mandera County, Kenya, heard word about an imminent al-Shabaab attack against non-local, mostly Christian workers, they quickly helped them evacuate to safety. The attack was planned at a building site for a government hospital in Kutulo, and the warning from local Muslims saved many lives.

“They confronted the gunmen, who proceeded to the site and failed to get what they wanted. [The attackers] opened fire but no one was injured before they escaped,” north-eastern regional commissioner Mohamed Birik told media.

Mandera County is in the northeast of the country, bordering Somalia, and shares many characteristics with that country – which is very hostile to Christians (Somalia is number 3 on the Open Doors World Watch List, and al-Shabaab has stated publicly that it wants to rid Somalia of Christians). Mandera County is Muslim majority and Christians are often made very unwelcome. That makes this warning and assistance even more of a blessing.

“This was a show of solidarity from locals,” said an Open Doors worker. “Most of the believers who live here come from other parts of the country. But they are treated like unwanted outsiders and face a lot of harassment and the continuous threat of targeted al-Shabaab attacks.

“Please thank the Lord with us that another bloodbath was prevented. Pray that this kind of action will become the new norm in this area. Pray for the protection over the Muslims who took this bold move.”

Please pray:

• Thank God that the lives of these Christians brothers and sisters were saved
• For protection over the Muslims who boldly warned about the attack
• That Christians and Muslims in the area would be able to live and work in peace.