Muslims Background Believers (MBB) are the hardest hit with violence and persecution in Kenya.
The Open doors World Watch List, which traces the shrinking worship space for Christians across the globe, says that converts face greatest pressure from their immediate family members who practice the Islamic Faith.
Muslim Background Believers are defined as Christians who were raised in Islamic families before converting to Christianity.
The hostility has particularly been exacerbated by attacks from the Al-Shabaab terror group that has been operating in Somalia and parts of Northern Kenyan.
“Christians with a Muslim Background often face severe discrimination and are frequently expelled from their communities.” ServeAfrica, a non-profit working with persecuted Africans, has said.
Attacks are particularly rampant in counties with a majority Islamic population with Mombasa, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Lamu, and Tana River being listed as hotspots.
“In these areas, there are many local informers who assist in organizing attacks on churches and Christians.”
“As a result, many Christians have decided to leave the areas and relocate to central regions of the country. “ ServAfrica has noted.
Among the rampant forms of persecutions for converts include discrimination and Explusion, divorce, Physical Assault, militia attacks, and forced marriages.
ServAfrica has noted that Militia attacks have not just affected Christians but also had a negative impact on all religions with moderate Muslims bearing the brunt of radicalism.
