NAIROBI, Kenya — Dozens of Muslim extremists attacked a Kenyan coastal town for hours, killing people believed to be of Christian descent who couldn’t answer questions about Islam and those who didn’t know the Somali language. At least 48 people were killed and two hotels were set on fire. The assault in Mpeketoni began Sunday night as residents watched World Cup matches on TV and lasted until early Monday, with little resistance put up by Kenya’s security forces. Cars and buildings still smouldered at daybreak. Authorities blamed al-Shabab, Somalia’s al-Qaeda linked terror group for the attacks. The group also has many Kenyan adherents. Like the Islamic gunmen who attacked Nairobi’s Westgate Mall last year, the Mpeketoni attackers gave life-or-death religious tests, a witness said, killing those who were not Muslim. “They came to our house at around 8 p.m. and asked us in Swahili whether we were Muslims. My husband told them we were Christians and they shot him in the head and chest,” said Anne Gathigi. Another resident, John Waweru, said his two brothers were killed because the attackers did not like that the brothers did not speak Somali. “My brother who stay next door to me were killed as I watched. I was peeping from my window and I clearly heard them speak to my brothers in Somali and it seems since my brothers did not meet their expectations, they sprayed them with bullets and moved on,” said Waweru. At the Breeze View Hotel, the gunmen pulled the men aside and ordered the women to watch as they killed them. Kenya’s top police commander, David Kimaiyo, said the death toll was 48. A police spokeswoman said authorities believe that several dozen attackers took part. Kenya has experienced a wave of gunfire and explosive attacks in recent months. At least 67 people were killed in September when four al-Shabab gunmen attacked an upscale mall in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Like us on facebook @ Civil Rights International as well as Say No 2 Homosexuals. You can also follow us on twitter @Civilrightsint.
