Islamic persecutors target Christian pastors in Tanzania

By Gary Lane

For many years Christians in Tanzania have felt safe worshipping, given the country’s Christian majorities.

Now, their security is quickly evaporating following a wave of persecution threatening churches and targeting pastors. Tanzanian churches are growing and witnessing a new unity, but Christians have paid a painful price.

Persecution of Pastors

Generosa Kachila told CBN News she burst into tears when her neighbor stormed in with the nightmarish news,”I shouted, my Jesus, my Jesus, why have you forsaken me?”

February 11, 2013, a Muslim mob brandishing machetes murdered Generosa’s husband, Tanzania Assemblies of God Pastor Mathayo Kachila. The brutal attack occurred as the pastor walked to the home of a friend.

The motive? Anger grew after Christians began butchering and selling meat. The lucrative business traditionally belonged to Muslims, who prepare it in their religious way known as halal.

In his last few breaths, Pastor Mathayo identifed his killer. Ezekiel Meschach said the pastor told him it was a neighbor named Abdallah.

“I was not surprised because just before the attack I saw Abdallah leaving the mosque carrying a machete,” Meschach explained. “He grew a long beard and often wore pants and a vest that resembled those worn by Taliban fighters.”

Locals believe Abdallah fled to neighboring Burundi.