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Pastor killed in Kenyan riots
At least three men, including a local pastor, have been killed by Muslim youths in riots in Mombasa. The attacks took place on 17 November, and appear to have been in revenge for police raids on two mosques earlier that day.
Ten young men armed with machetes and other weapons attacked people who were waiting at bus stops in the Kisauni slums, which are known for being a hotspot for radical Muslim activities. Pastor Joshua Muteti was killed by a blow to the back of the head in front of his wife and three other women; the women were unharmed.
Witnesses told the local newspaper, the Daily Nation, that the youths ordered their victims to recite the Muslim profession of faith during the attack. “They were chanting Islamic songs and carrying the black ‘Al Shabaab’ flag… they asked for people’s names before attacking those deemed non-Muslim.”
Fanuel Mogesani, who was injured, said, “I was surrounded by a group of men. They told me to say their prayer, but since I am a Christian, I could not. That is when I felt something like metal hit my head.”
Please pray with us…
One of the mosques raided by the police is barely 200m away from the Majengo Salvation Army Church that has suffered two arson attacks following the killings of prominent Muslim clerics. Open Doors spoke to church leader Major Robert Nzioka to find out if they have been affected by the recent events.
“Thank you very much for your concern. Things are tense here but we are fine,” Robert said. “There are many police officers guarding our premises. Please pray with us that we do not suffer any retaliatory attack. We pray for the Majengo area as a whole, may God bring His salvation and revival to this area so that the residents can finally know true peace.”
Source: BBC; Open Doors; Daily Nation
Pray now
- For comfort for Pastor Joshua’s wife and others bereaved or injured in the attacks
- For protection for God’s people in Mombasa
- Join Robert in praying that the residents of Mombasa will know true peace in Christ.
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