Itatuangukia: Kenyans in Qatar scamper as Middle East moves to intercept Iranian missiles
By Steve Ireri, February 28, 2026Kenyans in Qatar are among the thousands of foreigners facing a moment of uncertainty after Iran launched a number of missiles over the Middle Eastern sky, just hours after the US did so over their country.
In a video shared on TikTok by user @roby on Saturday, February 28, 2026, Kenyans are seen scampering from buildings, while others moved to the rooftop of a building they were in to watch the sky, where the missiles were forming huge white clouds.
In the video, a section of them, including two who spoke in Kikuyu, are heard expressing concern for their lives, while one urged others to leave the rooftop, as debris from the missiles could fall on them.
“Hii inaweza ikatuangukia man. Kwanza unaona hii iko hapa karibu yetu hapa juu. Iko karibu sana,” the Kenyan said.
The clip shows the sky erupting with multiple clouds of explosions and huge sounds tearing through the air as the missiles are intercepted one by one.
Retaliatory attacks
Iranian forces said they targeted US military bases and other strategic positions in the region following what they described as ongoing attacks against their country.
Reports indicate that several countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Kuwait, intercepted some of the missiles. In Doha, Qatar’s defence ministry confirmed that missiles aimed at the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US base in the region, were successfully intercepted.
The escalation began after the US and Israel conducted strikes on Iran, citing threats from Iranian missile and nuclear programmes. In response, Iran launched its own operation to hit US bases and assets, including a naval base in Bahrain.
The situation has caused widespread alarm among residents and foreign nationals, including Kenyans, who witnessed the sky light up with missile trails, explosions, and smoke. Officials continue to monitor the region closely as tensions remain high.