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Nick Musasia says he feels spoiled for choices, as he receives more than a dozen invitations from his Muslim friends for iftar, the meal served to break the daily fast during Ramadan.

Musasia, a Christian and an information technology instructor at Achievers Protech College in Wajir District, told Sabahi that since Ramadan began two weeks ago, he has shared iftar with six friends and their families.

Some families send informal invitations with a text message, while others are more formal. Musasia said a friend even paid for a taxi to pick him up.

He said the invitations are flattering and heart-warming, especially as they come at a time when the district has experienced an increase in violence caused by al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab.

In recent months, al-Shabaab has targeted civilians in a series of landmine and grenade attacks, including attacks on two churches in Garissa on July 1st that killed 17 people and wounded more than 60. On July 18th, al-Shabaab attacked a barbershop and a hotel in Wajir, wounding four.

Al-Shabaab is trying to sow unrest between the two religions, Muslim leaders in Wajir say, and thus they have worked to quell Islamic extremism in the region. Communities in North Eastern Province have gathered in defiance of al-Shabaab's message.

Joe Ongori, a 24-year-old electrician in Garissa, said he looked forward to Ramadan to experience the hospitality of his Muslim neighbours and friends.

"Despite the terrorist activities of al-Shabaab, my Muslim neighbours have not changed, even a little bit. I have Muslim friends who literally fight to host me," Ongori, a Christian, told Sabahi.

He said Ramadan also represents an opportunity to learn about a different culture, experience different cuisines, and learn about Islam. "I have never been invited to an iftar with any condition, such as converting, attached to it. The invitations are very genuine," he said.

Halima Mohammed Hujale, a 25-year-old Muslim in Mandera District, told Sabahi that it is an honour to be joined by a Christian friend during iftar. She said it makes her feel that she has fulfilled Ramadan's spirit of sharing by inviting neighbours to share what is available to her family.

"This is the month of giving zakat. Although it is highly recommended that we give to those who do not have and are fasting, we are also asked not to overlook non-Muslims and extend [zakat] to other faiths," she said. "Even though it is a meal, it is also spiritually rewarding."

Adow Jubat Kalil, a journalist in Garissa with The Standard newspaper, told Sabahi that he makes a point of inviting a Christian friend to join him during iftar every Ramadan. "This year is crucial, as we have to show our togetherness in the face of economic adversity and terrorism," he said.

"With what has been happening, I now make sure that any Christian friend I invite takes advantage. Islam is peace and this is the best time to express that peace," he said.

The Venerable Rueben Njue, archdeacon of the Anglican Church in North Eastern Province, encourages Christians to accept an invitation from a Muslim.

"The Christian foundation is built on love; coming together strengthens that love, especially around this time when al-Shabaab militants want to sow mayhem among faiths," he told Sabahi.

Njue said he receives invitations to share iftar with Muslims and accepts when his schedule permits.

Sheikh Abduwahab Mursal, secretary of the Wajir Branch of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, said Muslims and Christians have shared meals during Ramadan in previous years, but this tradition has become even more important this year because of al-Shabaab's threats. It is an opportunity to unify the community that Kenyans will not let slip away, he said.

"Inviting other faiths who are not fasting is a gesture that we are together," he told Sabahi. "During this period, when we have experienced grenades and landmines, it is a clear statement that we do not approve of terrorism activities."