The stone quarries in Mandera are more profitable, which attracts non-locals with expertise in stone carving to northeastern Kenya in search of greener pastures. Many of the Christians killed over the last four years in Mandera are from Nyeri county, which has stone quarries as well.

“The stones in Nyeri are very hard to split and smoothen compared to the ones in Mandera. The quarries are also very deep and dangerous and the money I used to make in Mandera is four times what I would make in Nyeri. Mandera has shallow quarries and softer stones, making it easier to make more money and support my family and pay school fees for my children,” David Wahome explained to International Christian Concern.

The county government of Mandera has warned of the closure of quarries in Mandera and urged non-locals to look for avenues of income in other parts of the country. This move has come under severe criticism with non-locals living in Kenya’s north claiming segregation.

A local reverend in Mandera reiterated that stopping “non-locals from taking up risky jobs in Mandera is discriminatory; rather, the government should give security to every citizen anywhere in Kenya. The enemy is within us and we need to remain vigilant as we pray. We are saddened by the continued Christian persecution in northeastern Kenya.”

Following this attack, David is recuperating at the hospital and we hope that he will get well soon. He has said that he will not be returning to Mandera, but will return to living with his family again in Nyeri County. He is married to Ruth and together they have four children; Eric, Dennis, Mercy, and Joyce.

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected]