Man arrested after stabbing three worshippers at Mosque in Westlands

A Canadian national has been arrested after stabbing and wounding three worshippers at a mosque in Westlands, Nairobi.

The incident occurred during the 5 a.m. prayers on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at a mosque off Waiyaki Way.

The assailant was armed with a sword when he suddenly attacked the worshippers.

The motive for the attack was not immediately known, police said.

Witnesses said other worshippers subdued the suspect and handed him over to police, who arrived promptly.

He was briefly roughed up by worshippers before being taken into custody and handed to the Anti-Terror Police Unit for questioning.

The suspect, who police said is under interrogation, is reported to hold a Canadian passport and is originally from Somalia

Nairobi head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Benson Kasyoki, confirmed the incident and said it was contained within minutes.

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

The victims were rushed to hospital with multiple wounds.

The attack comes amid heightened police operations during the Ramadan period, with authorities warning that some elements plan attacks in urban areas.

Police said they have thwarted dozens of attempted attacks in Nairobi and other parts of the country.