Leaders call for advocacy body to deal with terrorism

GSU officers pay their last respects to fallen colleague Martin Munene Kithinji at Kaarene village, Imenti Central, yesterday. Munene died in the terrorist attack on Westgate Mall, last week. [PHOTO: PATRICK MUTHURI/STANDARD]

By STANDARD REPORTER

KENYA: The Government has been advised to form a special advocacy institution to prevent youths from being lured into radical groups like Al-Shabaab.

The recommendation comes as the government is re-looking at its strategy of combating terrorism, which resulted in horrific killings of at least 67 people in Nairobi’s Westgate Mall recently.

Joint Secretary of the Association of Muslim Organisations in Kenya Fazul Mahamed said Sunday the threat of Kenyan youth being lured by radical and perverted groups remain high thanks to high rates of youth unemployment and ignorance.

“Terrorism requires a strategy beyond military approaches. There is now more realisation, especially after the difficulties experienced in Kenya today, we need an innovative multi-faceted approach and a blend of methods to combat terrorism,” he said.

“A special institution is needed to raise awareness of youth against perverted ideologies being marketed by Al Shabaab and other terror groups.”

Radical preachers

He said the proposed institution would take the form of a multi-religious council bringing together leaders of different faith groups and civil society organisations to lead the fight against radicalisation of youths by terror groups.

On Wednesday, the government has requested religious leaders to keep a close eye on individuals preaching radical messages and glorifying terrorism to lure youths into engaging in criminal acts.

Principal Secretary Mutea told leaders from various faith groups in Nairobi such monitoring would help protect the youth from illegitimate teachings that would turn them into security threats.