Kenyans honor Muslim man who shielded Christians in attack

The family’s primary breadwinner, Farah left behind a pregnant wife, four children, and other family members including his elderly parents.

The Somalia-based terrorist group has launched several attacks in Kenya including the massacres at the Westgate shopping mall and Garissa University College. The passengers were ordered to separate according to their religion and he refused, for which he was shot.

“They told us if you are a Muslim, we are safe”.

Salah Farah died of his injuries in hospital.

The school teacher’s words of peace and brotherhood reported by global media before he died reflect the ultimate sacrifice, and have resulted in calls to regard the Muslims’ actions during the incident as a sign of peace and tolerance that should unite Muslims and Christians in Kenya. “They hid their heads”, he said.

In an interview with BBC following the attack, Farah, a father of five, revealed that the gunmen had initially offered him an escape.

Farah also told that “We asked them to kill all of us or leave us alone”.

Religious leaders, including the Bishop of Garissa in Kenya, have praised the Muslims who stood up to Al-Shabaab during the attack.

“This is a good gesture (for which) Christians will forever be grateful”, Mutiso said.

“The Shabaab now know that they do not have the support of the Muslim community”, Alexander added.

“We are all Kenyans, we are not separated by religion”, Nkaissery said.

“People should live peacefully together”.

The group’s attacks in neighboring Kenya have escalated since 2011, when Kenyan troops rolled into Somalia to help beat back Muslim extremists.

Al-Shabab jihadists purposefully single out Christians as prime targets in their terror attacks.

Farah’s body was flown on a police helicopter to his home where he was buried. “He died while trying to shield innocent Kenyans”, said Boinnet.