Man Arrested After Stabbing Three Worshippers at Westlands Mosque

A Canadian citizen of Somali origin has been arrested after three worshippers were injured in a sword attack at a mosque in Westlands, Nairobi, during early morning prayers on Saturday.

The incident occurred at about 5am on 28 February, when the suspect reportedly entered the mosque armed with a sword and began attacking worshippers without warning. Members of the congregation subdued him and held him until police arrived.

Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody and transferred to the Anti-Terror Police Unit for questioning. Benson Kasyoki, Nairobi’s head of the DCI, said the situation was brought under control within minutes. 

“He pulled a machete and injured three worshippers. He has been arrested and is now being interrogated,” he said.

The injured men sustained multiple wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment. Their condition has not been disclosed. The motive for the attack remains under investigation. 

Authorities are treating the case with particular concern as it occurred during Ramadan, a period when security operations in urban areas have been intensified. Police have previously warned of potential threats during the holy month and say they have disrupted several planned attacks in Nairobi and other parts of the country in recent weeks.