After the attack, the four affected families, along with the villagers of Maleli, moved to a camp for internally displaced people. However, the government has since urged them to return to their village due to increased security. The government operation to remove al-Shabaab from the Boni forest created a sense of security within the communities, but the families are still skeptical of returning to their homes as they still fear for their lives.

“We still get chills whenever we think of going back to our village. We fear that al-Shabaab might come and attack us again. It will take a long time before things go back to normal in the villages near Boni forest,” Kahonzi Hinzano told ICC.

The residents of Maleli are mostly farmers and they have been struggling financially since the attack because they have not been able to generate enough income to provide for their families.

“We need prayers and moral support as we come to terms with the loss of dear ones. The attack in our village caused us immense psychological damage that could take us many years to overcome.” Elizabeth Kadzo, who also lost her husband, told ICC.

In the recent months, al-Shabaab has carried out several bombings targeting security forces in northeastern Kenya. Please continue to pray for the safety and financial well-being of these families. Ask God to provide for their financial, spiritual, and emotional needs.

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