Kenya is a nation with a complex history, much like the tribes that comprise its borders. Officially a nation in 1964, Kenya has fluctuated between times of tenuous peace and tribal pressures that threatened its existence. It’s only been in the last eight to ten years the country has seen some relative progress toward stabilization.

However, religious tensions are rising.

Some 80 percent of the population identifies as Christian while eleven percent identifies as Muslim. Northern Kenya is seeing a rapid increase in population from mostly Muslim Somalis. Kenyan Christians are experiencing persecution at a higher rate than ever before.

So what exactly is happening in Kenya?

The rise of al-Shabab

The al-Qaeda offshoot al-Shabab is growing in power and targeting Christians on an increasing basis. In 2015 more than 148 students were killed at Garissa University. In 2018, two Christian teachers were killed in the bombing of an apartment complex connected to a Catholic school. Pastors whose congregations are mostly Muslims who have converted to Christianity are followed and harassed and beaten.

Islamic militants in al-Shabab have taken credit for most of these incidents. As the influx of radical Muslims infiltrates Kenya’s northeastern border from Somalia and the coast, Christians are fleeing inland to safer parts of the country. Yet, when they arrive at presumed safety in the heart of Kenya, Christians still find persecution. Disciples in these communities are often deprived of basic necessities, jobs, and avenues to report the persecution they endure.

And many Muslims who convert to Christianity face the most intense persecution. What Jesus says in Luke 21 is becoming a reality for thousands of Muslims who convert to Christianity:

You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. Luke 21:16

Fighting the seeds of corruption

In 2010, Kenya introduced a new constitution for its people. In that document, the government outlines that while Kenya has no official religion, all religions are free to gather together and worship in peace.

But underlying government corruption and a weak police force allow societal corruption to increase as well. Crimes are underreported. Christians see little to no options for recourse when persecution intensifies. Terrorists are often allowed to transport weapons and prey on the poor and weak without consequence. Open Doors USA, a persecution watch group, says they are not encouraged by the government’s weak assurances to help those impacted by religious persecution.

What you can do
As tensions in Kenya continue to rise and pressure from a war in Somalia brings more persecution to Christians, the body of Jesus around the world must pray. Currently, Open Eyes has several Mobile Messengers including Pastor Simon, our first Mobile Messenger in Kenya. While they are still experiencing the freedom to travel and minister, the landscape is rapidly shifting.

Here are three ways you can pray for Kenyan brothers and sisters today:

Pray for the end of government corruption that continues to broaden
the gap between rich and poor. (1 Timothy 2:1-7)

• Pray that Jesus would continue to show Himself to Muslims and bring them into His kingdom. (Matthew 28:19-20)
• Pray that the majority, though nominal, Christian population would be strengthened in the Word of God and in their faith. (John 8:31-32)
• Pray that Kenyan Christians will stand strong in their faith with rejoicing and endurance as they share in the sufferings of Jesus. (1 Peter 4:13)

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