Kenya: Salah Farah, who died while shielding Christians during a bus attacked by al-Shabaab militants in Kenya, has been honored for his act of courage.
Salah Farah, a teacher was among a group of Muslim bus passengers refused to split from Christian along religious lines and later died from his bullet wound.
President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded the Order Of The Grand Warrior– one of the country’s highest honors to Mr Farah “for his act of courage”.
“He died defending people who he did not know. This is because he believed in their right to freedom of worship and he knew that every single life – irrespective of faith – is sacred,” Kenyatta was quoted as saying to Al-Jazeera.
“Salah died serving the country, defending his Christian brothers,” Abudallahi Derow, a activist told Al Jazeera.
“He chose to die and save the lives of his countrymen. He is a symbol of unity and strength and his action is an inspiration to many.”
Mr Farah, the deputy head of the Mandera township primary school and about 60 other passengers were traveling from the capital, Nairobi, to the town of Mandera, on Dec. 21.