Kenya

Where Persecution Comes From

Most of the persecution of Kenya’s Christians comes from the Islamic militant group al-Shabaab. The group, based in neighboring Somalia, has conducted numerous attacks targeting Christians in Kenya, a majority-Christian country. Within Kenya itself, some of the country’s tribal leaders are opposed to Christianity, viewing it as a threat. The Kenyan government enforces secularism that is at times restrictive for churches and Christian believers, pressuring them to abandon their beliefs. Rampant corruption in the country results in persecution that goes unpunished or isn’t punished appropriately.

How Christians are Suffering

In Kenya, Christian persecution affects all Christian communities. Christian converts from Muslim backgrounds living in the northeast and coastal regions especially live under constant threat of attack. Country-wide corruption and crime also pose a great threat to believers. Some reports suggest that the attack on Garissa University in 2015 by al-Shabaab was executed through bribes to security officials for the import of illegal weapons and ammunition. Because officials often turn a blind eye to persecution, they encourage further acts of violence.

Examples

In December 2015, two passengers on a bus were killed when al-Shabaab militants boarded and separated Christians for execution.

In January 2016, five policemen who were Christians and three Christian men were murdered in their homes in the Lamu area.

During the World Watch List 2017 reporting period, more than 30 Christians were killed at the hands of Islamists.