NAIROBI, Kenya- CCTV footage has emerged showing a violent attack inside a mosque in Westlands, Nairobi, where a man wielding a machete attacked worshippers during early morning prayers, injuring several people before being restrained and arrested by congregants and police.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the incident unfolded just after 5 a.m. on Saturday at a mosque along Waiyaki Way during dawn prayers.
The suspect, who had concealed a large blade in his coat, suddenly drew the weapon and began stabbing congregants, leaving three worshippers with wounds.
The CCTV footage circulating on social media captures the chaotic moments as the assailant lunges at people in the prayer hall, prompting immediate panic.
Other worshippers quickly intervened, overpowering and disarming the attacker before alerting authorities.
CCTV footage shows the moment a man attacked worshippers using a machete during morning prayers at a mosque in Westlands yesterday, which left several injured.
Suspect Arrested; Police Investigate
Nairobi’s head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Benson Kasyoki, confirmed that officers responded swiftly, and the suspect was taken into custody within minutes of the attack.
He was handed over to the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) for further questioning as detectives work to establish his motive.
Police identified the man as a Canadian national, believed to be originally from Somalia and visiting Kenya at the time of the attack.
The weapon used in the assault was seized as evidence.
The three worshippers injured during the incident were treated at the scene and later rushed to a nearby hospital.
Authorities said none of the injuries were immediately considered life-threatening, though they required medical attention.
Heightened Security During Ramadan
The attack comes amid heightened security operations across Nairobi during the Ramadan period, with police warning of potential threats to public safety.
Investigators say they are exploring all angles, including whether the suspect acted alone or had any links to larger networks.
