By Staff Writer
Nairobi, Kenya — Three Orthodox Christians have been killed in separate attacks over the past two days in Asako district of East Arsi, part of Ethiopia’s Oromia region, in a deeply troubling development.
Local residents and church sources told Mahibere Kidusan Television about the incidents, which have raised concerns over increasing insecurity in the area.
The first attack took place on July 12, 2026, in an area known as “Dajam Yelew.”
Sources told Mahibere Kidusan Television that the man appeared to have been targeted in what seemed to be a planned attack, although the motive remains unknown. Many people in the area remain frightened, and some families have left their homes because of the ongoing danger.
The most serious attack occurred on July 13, 2026 (G.C.), in Bahru Ali, in the same district.
Witnesses said heavy gunfire was heard between 11:00 p.m. and midnight, causing fear and panic in the community. They were at home when the attack occurred, and their bodies were later taken to Asako Debre Tzion St. Mary Church, a respected Orthodox place of worship in the area.
Residents who spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears of punishment said the shootings were unprovoked and happened without any apparent reason.
“People were running for their lives. We had no choice but to leave the area,” one person told Mahibere Kidusan TV. The same source said many families have left their homes and are now staying with relatives or in nearby towns.
The attacks have caused deep sadness in the local Orthodox Christian community, which is already facing security challenges in parts of Oromia.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the killings, and officials have not issued an official comment.
However, security forces are reportedly working in the area to improve safety. Meanwhile, displaced families are struggling with inadequate access to food, shelter, and medical care.
The latest violence is part of a broader insecurity problem in East Arsi, where there have been repeated attacks and clashes between groups. The Orthodox Christian community has expressed deep sadness over the deaths and called on people to pray for the bereaved families.
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CORRECTION NEEDED: A 43 year old can not have a 37 year old son. Is he a brother or the age is incorrect?
This is just another sad episode and barbaric act the people of that country have been subjected to since 1991. This is all the result of bigotry that has been spewed around by conniving individuals who used to be seen lambasting with “Ethiopia, Out of Oromia’ and those others calling poor peasant farmers ‘land-grabbing settlers’. There are also others who used to call innocent groups people as Oromo Killer riflemen since the early 1970’s. But these bigots from the 1970’s are now in their advanced age enjoying their golden years at faraway places. I don’t think this is the last news we will hear/read about innocent people being savagely murdered by the misguided youth primed by such hateful pejoratives.