This archive report was first published on 18 November 2021.
Published on November 18, 2021, a string of unexplained abductions and killings of Muslims in Kenya has left faith leaders worried and demanding action from the government.
At least 40 members of the Muslim faith have been abducted by unknown assailants since January, with only 10 returning to their families, according to the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims. The numbers do not include those kidnapped in the predominantly Islamic northeast.
Muslim leaders claim the government's campaign against terrorism has transformed into a war against Islam and Muslims. 'We are witnessing a deliberate strategy of instilling fear among Muslims and discouraging them from going to the mosques, which are supposed to be sanctified places,' said Sheikh Hassan Ole Naado, the chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims.
Sheikh Ole Naado also accused the government of remaining silent despite numerous calls to investigate and put an end to the violations.
The government has denied the allegations.
Christian leaders, who have been collaborating with Muslims in Kenya in peace and interfaith dialogue, development, and humanitarian work, have expressed concern over the incidents.
‘This should be a concern of all Kenyans,’ Roman Catholic Bishop Wilybard Lagho, of the Diocese of Malindi, told Religion News Service.
The kidnappings have left some of those abducted traumatized after they resurfaced, while others have disappeared without a trace.
Muslim leaders and human rights groups in the country accuse the government of extrajudicial killing, torture, arbitrary arrests, and forced disappearances, as well as interfering with the freedom of assembly and worship.
Sheikh Abdullahi Abdi, chairman of the National Muslim Leaders Forum, said, 'Muslims in this country are under siege. They are targeted. There are human rights abuses committed on a massive scale.'
