On 6 December, 11 non-local Christian passengers were attacked while travelling to Mandera from Nairobi and killed at Kotulo in north-eastern Kenya.
Confirming the incident, a Kenyan police officer said, “A passenger bus belonging to Medina Bus Company, travelling between Wajir and Mandera was attacked by a criminal gang at around 1730 hours this evening. The attack happened at Maadathe area, five kilometres to Kotulo. Lives are believed to have been lost.”
According to a reliable source, the militants separated passengers into groups, targeting the non-locals. Nine of the passengers on the Mandera-bound bus who could not recite the Shahada were paraded out of the bus and shot dead at close range by those believed to be al-Shabaab militants. There are two passengers still missing who are believed to also be dead.
The names of those confirmed as killed are Athanus Kiti, Enos Odhiambo, Kelvin Mandela, Wisely Meli, Tikane Kasale, Leonard Mukanda, Francis Mbuvi, Rodgers Machuka, and Anchari Okerosi. The two still missing are Emmanuel Barasa and Nathan Bett.
Source: International Christian Concern
- Ask the Lord to comfort those who mourn over this tragic loss.
- Pray the authorities will find those responsible and bring them to justice.
- Ask the Lord to frustrate the plans of al-Shabaab and bring an end to the targeted violence. Ask God to bring many of these militants to repentance.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
O Lord, how long…We grieve the loss of yet more believers in brutal and senseless attacks. God of all comfort, we beg you to have mercy on your servants’ families as they recoil at these murders. May they be strong in the grace that is found in Christ Jesus and continue to trust in Him who is faithful and will bring true judgement to all when He returns. We pray to the Warrior Lord who is mighty in battle, strong and mighty to come to the aid of His people (Psalm 24 etc). He is not a school-ground bully but the true protector and help of His people. Be their refuge Lord. Frustrate the violent plans of al-Shabaab and bring them the Gospel of the Prince of Peace. Help them to see the glory that is Jesus!