Christian teacher abducted by al-Shabaab rescued in Somalia

Judy Mutua was rescued by the Kenya Defence Forces in Somalia on Friday. Reuters

A Kenyan Christian teacher has been rescued from al-Shabaab after being kidnapped by the Islamist militant group last week.

Judy Mutua was rescued by the Kenya Defence Forces and Somalia National Army in Somalia on Friday following a shootout with members of al-Shabaab, the Defence ministry said in a statement.

"Ms Mutua is currently receiving treatment at a secured location and will be airlifted by the Kenya Air Force to Nairobi in the course of the day," the statement added.

One abductor was killed during the rescue operation, and another arrested. Four managed to escape with gunshot wounds, KDF regional coordinator Mohamud Saleh told reporters.

In an interview with Kenyan newspaper The Star, he said the Kenyan military "will not rest until all the culprits are brought to book".

article,article,article,article Related

Mutua had been abducted in Garissa county, Kenya on October 12. A teacher for the NGO Windle Trust International, the vehicle she was travelling in was attacked as she travelled between two refugee camps.

Al-Shabaab is particularly active in the northeast of Kenya where the Muslim population is more concentrated.

In April, 148 students at Garissa University College were killed by the terrorist group, forcing many schools in Kenya to close after teachers – afraid of further attacks – refused to work.

related articles
Kenya: Christian radio hijacked by possible terrorists

Kenya: Christian radio hijacked by possible terrorists

Kenya: Almost 100 schools forced to close as Christian teachers fear al-Shabaab attacks
Kenya: Almost 100 schools forced to close as Christian teachers fear al-Shabaab attacks

Kenya: Almost 100 schools forced to close as Christian teachers fear al-Shabaab attacks

Four Al-Shabaab militants killed in attack on Somali government site
Four Al-Shabaab militants killed in attack on Somali government site

Four Al-Shabaab militants killed in attack on Somali government site

The Garissa massacre: Stories from the survivors
The Garissa massacre: Stories from the survivors

The Garissa massacre: Stories from the survivors

News
The story of the pope known as the Apostle to the English
The story of the pope known as the Apostle to the English

Pope Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great, was one of the most important popes, and his positive legacy is still felt today - not least in Britain. This is the story … 

Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide

Christians are doubling down on efforts to stop assisted suicide becoming legal in England and Wales after Kim Leadbeater's bill was debated in Westminster on Friday. 

Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign
Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign

More than 100 Christian leaders recently came together at a parliamentary reception in London for the launch of Shine Your Light 2025 — a bold evangelistic initiative aiming to bring the message of Christ to streets, neighbourhoods, and marketplaces across the UK.

Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling
Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling

An NHS trust has been accused of continually flouting the law around women’s rights by requiring female nurses to get changed in front of a biologically male nurse who goes by the name of “Rose”.