2/14/2025 Kenya (International Christian Concern) — Christians living in Lamu West, Kenya, are used to hearing news of Islamic extremists crossing the nearby Somali border and targeting other believers. Those Christians who end up experiencing the attacks themselves often lose everything, including hope.
International Christian Concern (ICC) helps meet the unique needs of our persecuted brothers and sisters in Kenya by restoring what they lost in the attacks and providing the care they need.
One Christian who experienced such persecution is John Mwangi Gichira. On Dec. 5, 2023, al-Shabab militants attacked his village in Poromoko, Lamu West. His family, along with numerous other families, was left devastated.
“We were forced to flee our homes, leaving behind everything we had worked for,” Gichira said. “Our house was set on fire, my 10,000-liter water tank was destroyed, and all my chickens were stolen. We lost everything in an instant. Life became a struggle.”
Gichira’s family had no choice but to take refuge in a camp for internally displaced people. They lived there for several months, unsure of their future.
“The fear of being attacked again lingered constantly, and we didn’t know how to start over,” Gichira said. “But even though we were surrounded by loss, we had to hold on to hope.”
At this point in telling his story, Gichira’s face brightened as he talked about meeting an International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer.
“Then ICC came to our aid,” he shared. “They offered us the support we desperately needed. With their help, we received food, clothing, and the essentials to survive. But the real turning point was when ICC gave me a motorbike. This motorbike became my lifeline. It allowed me to earn a steady income and provide for my family again.
“Thanks to ICC, my children now have a safe place to sleep, regular meals, and all their basic needs met. It’s hard to express how much this has meant to us. It has brought us a sense of security and renewed hope for the future. I pray that God continues to bless ICC abundantly for their selfless giving, and I hope their work touches many more lives.”
ICC also supported Wambugu Mutahi and his family. On Feb. 26, 2024, Somali herders attacked their village in Widho, Lamu West. The attackers torched more than 10 houses, including Mutahi’s family’s home.
“My family and I were forced to flee to an IDP camp, leaving behind our home, clothes, food, and essential belongings,” Mutahi said. “It felt like everything had been taken from us.”
Mutahi struggled to provide for his sick wife, who needed expensive medical treatment at the time.
“The loss of our home and livelihood made things feel hopeless,” he said.” At the IDP camp, I thought we would never recover. But then ICC stepped in. They provided us with the resources we needed to survive and thrive.”
ICC helped Mutahi provide for his family through the gift of a motorbike. Now, Muhati can earn money as a taxi driver.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to ICC for their incredible support,” he said. “I truly believe they are sent by God. Because of their generosity, I was able to receive a motorbike that has already made a huge difference in my life.
“With the income from the motorbike, I can now provide food, clothing, and education for my children. I can also afford the medical care my wife urgently needs. I’m deeply humbled and grateful for ICC’s support. I believe this help was a gift from God. It has transformed our lives, and I pray that God continues to bless ICC and their mission. Their kindness has given me the opportunity to rebuild my life and restore my family’s dignity.”
To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email press@persecution.org.
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