A Canadian citizen was arrested on Saturday morning after attacking worshippers at a mosque in Westlands, Nairobi, leaving three people injured. The assault occurred during the 5 a.m. prayers at a mosque along Waiyaki Way, when the suspect, armed with a sword, suddenly lunged at attendees.
Eyewitnesses said the assailant was quickly restrained by fellow worshippers before police arrived
. “He pulled a machete and injured three worshipers. He has been arrested and is now being interrogated,” said Nairobi head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Benson Kasyoki.
The suspect, believed to hold a Canadian passport and originally from Somalia, was briefly roughed up by worshippers before being handed over to the authorities. He is currently in the custody of the Anti-Terror Police Unit, undergoing questioning.
Police said the victims were rushed to a nearby hospital with multiple injuries, though their current condition has not been disclosed. The motive behind the attack is still unknown, and investigators are probing to establish the reasons for the assault.
Authorities warned that the incident comes at a time when police have intensified security operations during the Ramadan period. They noted that they have foiled numerous planned attacks in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya, highlighting ongoing concerns about urban security.
The rapid response by worshippers and police ensured the situation was contained within minutes, preventing further harm. Witnesses praised the swift action, which prevented the attack from escalating
