The Maltese bishops and missionaries in Kenya are unharmed but devastated at the deadly attack that left at least 48 people dead.
On Sunday evening, dozens of suspected Somali gunmen sped into the small coastal town of Mpeketoni in two minibuses and shot World Cup spectators in a hall. They also attacked hotels, a bank and the police station.
The al-Shabaab – the al-Qaida-linked terror group based in neighbouring Somalia – said it carried out the attack to avenge the killing of Muslims. Kenya had sent troops to Somalia in 2011 to help the weak UN-backed government defeat the militants.
Mpeketoni has an established Maltese Capuchin-founded Christian community.
The people all knew of the generous heart of the Maltese
Mgr Emanuel Barbara, Bishop of the Malindi diocese, which also encapsulates Mpeketoni, said he and Maltese missionary Fr Hilary Abela were unharmed but shaken.
Although he is based about 100 kilometres away from where the attacks took place, Mgr Barbara said he personally knew a number of the murdered Kenyans.
“Some of them were our Christians. They were murdered in cold blood. They were just minding their own business, returning from work or watching the World Cup, as so many other people are doing around the world.
“What’s so horrible is that, as had happened last September during a siege on Westgate shopping centre, the gunmen asked their victims whether they were Muslims or Christians. When they were unable to recite verses from the Koran, they shot them.”
Mgr Barbara said there was increasing political instability in Kenya. The Opposition was threatening to cause chaos if there was no dialogue with the government.
“I’m worried by the increasing lack of security. I’m trying to follow what’s happening. Communication is difficult because the gunmen destroyed the antennae though not all of them.”
Mission Fund spiritual director Fr Marcellino Micallef has often been to Mpeketoni as the fund sponsored 40 community wells and a school. “Every tragedy hits close to home. The people all knew of the generous heart of the Maltese. Malta means a lot to them. It’s their second mother,” he told Times of Malta.
His thoughts were with the Capuchins, who created a “marvel”. Within a few years, thousands of families found a roof over their heads, water to drink, food to sustain themselves and their cattle, clinics and other social amenities, such as schools.
“Education is the key to society. This is what the first Maltese missionaries in Mpeketoni believed, including the late bishop, Mgr Frans Baldacchino.
“They set off with nothing and created an oasis of peace. My thoughts are with Mgr Barbara and the priests and laity in this hour of great suffering.”