Photo: Wikipedia / U.S. State Department
Six Kenyan merchants, all of them professed followers of Jesus, were killed in a border town between Kenya and Somalia on March 29th. The perpetrators of the crime then fled the Somalian town of Dhobley and travelled further into the country. It is believed that those responsible for the attack are members of al-Shabaab, a militant Islamic group based in Somalia.
The six slain believers had been selling plastic utensils and other household goods in Dhobley for the past six years. On the day of the attack, these merchants were just opening their shops for business when a group of gunmen with covered faces drove by and shot the Christian men at close range. Four of the believers died immediately, while the other two succumbed to their injuries later while in hospital.
It is widely believed that the slain followers of Jesus were targeted for their religious affiliation and activities. Along with their business pursuits, the Christian men frequently shared the compassion of Christ to Muslims in the community. It was reported that several Muslims had been secretly attending the believers' evening prayer services to learn more about Christianity, which likely angered local Islamic militants.
Prior to the mass shooting incident, one of the victims, Joseph Githonga, reported to a local church leader in February that some Muslim community members had complained about the Christians' worship activities. For the church members' safety, the Christian leader advised Joseph and the other believers to avoid singing but continue quietly holding their Bible study meetings.
In the 2024 World Watch List, Open Doors ranked Somalia as second among the 50 listed nations considered to be the most difficult for those practising Christianity. For more information on the persecution of Christians in this East African nation, and/or to review other posted reports, go to our country report.
Pray that the Lord will minister greatly needed comfort to the friends and loved ones of these men who were recently killed for their faith. May those responsible be held accountable for their criminal actions. Also prayerfully uphold other believers living within this region of the world whose lives are at risk because of their faithful Christian witness, asking God to provide them protection, courage and strength. Last, but not least, please intercede for the salvation of those in East Africa who are opposed to the Gospel message, in hopes that many of them would turn to faith in Christ and experience His saving grace.
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