On the morning of Nov. 10, gunfire shattered the quiet along the Mandera-Arabia road in the Hagarsu area of Mandera County, Kenya.

Somali-based al-Shabab militants ambushed Christian construction workers inspecting a road project. The workers, who were non-locals, were targeted because of their identity and faith. A driver and the two police reservists assigned to protect them were also killed.

Eight people in total were killed, with the attack following a pattern of al-Shabab-linked violence in Kenya’s northeastern borderlands. 

“The attack was swift but intense, leaving many traumatized, but even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for Jesus is with us; His rod and staff, they comfort us,” an eyewitness said. “That’s where we draw our confidence from regardless of the present circumstances.”

A Persistent Danger

Mandera County lies along Kenya’s border with Somalia. For Christians living in the region, insecurity is a reality.

Christians who move into the area for work are vulnerable. Churches operate under constant threat; believers travel cautiously, pastors limit evening gatherings, and congregations often worship with one eye on the door. Even traveling to work can expose Christians to danger. 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; but Jesus said, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,’” a local church leader said. “We are becoming more vigilant and yet committed to the preaching of the gospel in the face of this constant threat from the Islamic fighters.” 

Always a Target

Al-Shabab has repeatedly targeted Christians in the northeastern region, particularly those perceived as outsiders and those who do not share the group’s extremist religious ideology.

Converts from Islam to Christianity remain especially vulnerable to intimidation, threats, and violence. The police reservists assigned to protect the workers also lost their lives. 

“The word of God declared that we should not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,” an eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous said. “We therefore bury the dead and comfort the widows, but we refuse to stop gathering in his name and preaching the gospel of salvation.”

Responding to the killing of the five Christians, another church leader requested prayers and support for the believers in Mandera and the families of the victims.

“We call upon the global church to stand with persecuted believers in Kenya and pray for the families of those killed, the wounded, and Christians across Mandera,” he said. “Pray for the protection of Christian workers, pastors, and congregations, and that they will have the courage to continue worshipping and sharing the gospel. Pray for lasting peace. The church in Mandera is not forgotten. Let us stand with them.” 

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