Breaking news from Nairobi, Kenya, where a Canadian national has been arrested after stabbing and wounding three worshippers at a mosque in Westlands. The incident occurred during 5 a.m. prayers on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at a mosque off Waiyaki Way. Eyewitnesses report that the assailant, armed with a sword, suddenly attacked the worshippers, prompting other worshippers to subdue the suspect and hand him over to police, who arrived promptly. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but police have confirmed that the suspect, who holds a Canadian passport and is originally from Somalia, is currently under interrogation.
What Happened?
| Event | Stabbing of three worshippers at a mosque |
| Date | February 28, 2026 |
| Time | 5 a.m. |
| Location | Mosque in Westlands, Nairobi |
| Key People/Organizations involved | Canadian national, Anti-Terror Police Unit, Nairobi head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Benson Kasyoki) |
| Status/Current Situation | Suspect arrested and under interrogation |
| Impact/Casualties | Three worshippers injured with multiple wounds |
| Official Response | Police contained the incident within minutes, suspect handed over to Anti-Terror Police Unit for questioning |
| Weapon Used | Sword (also referred to as a machete) |
| Suspect’s Nationality | Canadian (originally from Somalia) |
A Canadian national has been arrested after stabbing three worshippers at a mosque in Westlands, Nairobi, during early morning prayers on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The attack occurred at a mosque off Waiyaki Way when the suspect, armed with a machete, suddenly struck the worshippers. The assailant was subdued by other worshippers before police arrived and took him into custody, according to witnesses. The suspect is reported to hold a Canadian passport and is originally from Somalia, though the motive for the attack remains unclear.
Nairobi head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Benson Kasyoki, confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect was arrested and is now being interrogated. The three victims were rushed to the hospital with multiple wounds. The attack took place amid heightened security operations during Ramadan, with authorities warning of potential threats in urban areas. Police said they have thwarted dozens of attempted attacks in Nairobi and other parts of the country in recent weeks.
Eyewitness Accounts and Victim Details
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic when a Canadian national armed with a sword suddenly attacked worshippers at a mosque in Westlands, Nairobi, during the 5 a.m. prayers on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The attack resulted in three worshippers being injured, with multiple wounds. According to witnesses, other worshippers quickly subdued the suspect and handed him over to police, who arrived promptly.
The victims were rushed to hospital for treatment, while the suspect was taken into custody and handed over to the Anti-Terror Police Unit for questioning. Benson Kasyoki, Nairobi head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, confirmed the incident, stating, “He pulled a machete and injured three worshipers. He has been arrested and is now being interrogated.” The motive for the attack was not immediately known, police said.
The suspect, who holds a Canadian passport and is originally from Somalia, is currently under interrogation. Witnesses reported that he was briefly roughed up by worshippers before being taken into custody. The incident has raised concerns amid heightened police operations during the Ramadan period, with authorities warning that some elements plan attacks in urban areas.
Investigation and Arrest of the Suspect
The Canadian national suspected of the Westlands mosque attack was taken into custody shortly after the stabbing of three worshippers during the 5 a.m. prayers on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Witnesses said other congregants subdued the assailant, who was wielding a sword, and handed him to police arriving on the scene. He was briefly roughed up by worshippers before being transferred to the Anti‑Terror Police Unit for questioning. Nairobi’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations head, Benson Kasyoki, confirmed the suspect’s identity, noting he holds a Canadian passport and is originally from Somalia. “He pulled a machete and injured three worshipers. He has been arrested and is now being interrogated,” Kasyoki said, adding that the incident was contained within minutes.
Police have not disclosed a motive, and the suspect remains under interrogation. The three injured victims were rushed to hospital with multiple wounds. The arrest comes amid heightened security operations during Ramadan, as Kenyan authorities continue to thwart potential attacks across Nairobi and other urban areas.
Community Reaction and Official Response
The community in Westlands, Nairobi, is reeling after a Canadian national attacked and injured three worshippers at a mosque during early morning prayers on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The incident has raised concerns about security, particularly during the Ramadan period, when authorities have warned of potential attacks in urban areas.
The Nairobi head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Benson Kasyoki, confirmed the incident and stated that it was contained within minutes. “He pulled a machete and injured three worshipers. He has been arrested and is now being interrogated,” Kasyoki said. The police have thwarted dozens of attempted attacks in Nairobi and other parts of the country, according to authorities.
The motive for the attack is still unknown, and the suspect is currently under interrogation. The victims were rushed to hospital with multiple wounds. The community is likely to be on high alert following this incident, and authorities are expected to maintain heightened security operations during the Ramadan period.
Latest Updates and Ongoing Investigation
The incident occurred amid heightened security concerns during the Ramadan period, with authorities warning of potential attacks in urban areas. Police have reportedly thwarted dozens of attempted attacks in Nairobi and other parts of the country in recent weeks. The three injured victims were rushed to the hospital with multiple wounds, and the suspect remains in custody as the investigation into the motive continues.
Source: [The Star, Kenya](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-02-28-3-worshippers-stabbed-at-mosque-in-westlands)
