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Kenya Facts
Score: 62 / 100
Region: Africa
Persecution Type: Islamic Oppression
Persecution Level: Very High
Population: 48,467,000
Christians: 39,409,000
Main Religion: Christianity
Government: Presidential Republic
Leader: President Uhuru Kenyatta
Profile of Persecution Methodology
Violence 56%
Church Life 70%
National Life 47%
Community Life 60%
Family Life 65%
Private Life 72%
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, 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.
Pray for Kenya
- Many Christians living in northeastern and coastal regions of Kenya have been severely traumatized by violent attacks and face a great deal of antagonism from the Muslim society. Pray for God’s healing in their lives and for the courage to continue sharing the gospel in this hostile environment.
- Pray for repentance within the ranks of Islamic militant groups who target Christians. Pray that they would come to know Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life.
- Pray for wisdom for Christians in the political arena. Pray for the Lord’s protection over them and that they would have a strong voice.
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