By Open Doors 19 December 2019

11 Christians Lose Lives In Attack

11 Christians have lost their lives in an attack by Islamic extremist group al-Shabaab on Kenya’s border. The Christians, along with over 40 other locals, were travelling on a bus from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, to the north-eastern regions.

Islamic extremists stopped the bus, separating Muslims and non-Muslims. The 11 Christians, including eight security officers, a medical practitioner and two teachers, were ordered to lay on the ground. They were immediately shot.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said in a statement, “Security forces are pursuing the killers and assure that the government will not relent in its ruthless crackdown on criminal elements, including terrorists, in its solemn duty to safeguard lives.”

A similar attack occurred during Christmas 2015 in which two died.

A local priest said, “The [attackers] are criminals. They want to ignite tensions between Christians and Muslims.”

The Kenyan government has stepped up security in the north-east since the attack. However, Christians remain fearful of further violence.

In Kenya, Islamic extremism is the main driver of violence and persecution. Please pray for our Kenyan brothers and sisters.

Pray For Kenya:

  • Pray that God will bring peace and comfort to the families of those who lost their lives.
  • Pray that God will reach the hearts of extremists in Kenya, that He will use them as a testament of His love and power.
  • Pray that Christians will be bold in their faith and continue to share the gospel no matter the cost.

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