17 Killed in Kenya Church Bombings

Our partner Pastor Musa from Mchungaji Kundi Moja (MKM) requests your prayers for believers in eastern Kenya whose churches were bombed on Sunday, July 1. Here, he shares what happened and how it is impacting the believers in the region.

"Sunday morning, July 1, started like any other day of worship for many Christians in Garissa. Little did they know that it would turn out to be a very dark day. As worshipers worshiped God in some churches others were fighting for their lives and some were dead in others. 

"Two churches, the African Inland Church (AIC) and a Catholic church were attacked. The attackers had their faces hidden and threw grenades into the Catholic church compound, injuring several people. What shocked us the most is what happened at the AIC church. The three covered men entered the church compound through the gate. Two went to the police guarding the church. In a surprise ambush they shot both of them dead. They picked up their guns and rained bullets on the worshipers. The grenade earlier thrown into the church had not detonated. The gun shots in the compound made worshipers run out in panic only to face the waiting killers. Using the police guns, they rained bullets on fleeing worshippers and many who could not run. Blood could be seen everywhere, furniture strewn all over and worshipers left in shock.

"The injured patients were rushed to the Garissa Provincial General Hospital which was overwhelmed by the great number of casualties. Some of them were treated while lying on the floor. This incident left 65 people injured and 17 have lost their lives with families being very devastated.

"The medical center was at the forefront in helping the injured and some staff volunteered to help, giving first aid and offering treatment. Others donated blood for the injured people. It was amazing to see how people from all walks of life and religions came to help in one way or another. One of the two policemen killed was a Muslim. In this respect we share as victims of terror.

"There is a concern that al-Shabab is trying to divide Kenya on religious lines due to the Kenyan government’s role in fighting against al-Shabab in Somalia. The situation here is deteriorating with many Christian workers and UN and related agencies leaving the field. Many churches do not have security to prevent a similar terror attack. May God help us and protect us."

None of the MKM workers or their families were killed or injured, but the Christian community is small and they know one another and work closely together. All are hurting and trying to process what this means for them, their families, and their ministries. MKM workers are caring for the families who were impacted, serving in the hospital, and treating the injured. Please pray for the families who have lost loved ones and for God to comfort and protect His children in Kenya.

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