President Uhuru takes to streets preaching against narcotics

Uhuru samples food made by Mombasa women groups for the National Youth Service programme at the Fort Jesus Museum grounds. [PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMMED/STANDARD]

MOMBASA: President Uhuru Kenyatta Tuesday made a triumphant entry into Mombasa’s Old Town, walking in the narrow alleys, perceived as a hotbed of terror related insecurity.

Addressing the public, Uhuru said he will ensure the town's lost glory, which has been tattered by terror attacks and drug abuse among the youth is restored.    

“We have heard bombs falling in Mombasa in the past. These attacks have affected tourism, which is the key economic activity in this area. We call upon you to support the Government in maintaining peace and security. You must root out the bad elements in your midst,” said Uhuru.

President Kenyatta directed security agencies to target drug barons in the war against narcotics adding that youth affected by the scourge should be taken to rehabilitation centres and not police cells.

The President and his entourage defied Mombasa's searing, morning rains and scorching sun to walk through Old Town’s Nehru Road before branching onto Abdel Nasser Road, Shariff Khitamy Road and Nyeri Road near the infamous Mlango wa Papa Mosque, which police have in the past linked to radicalisation and recruitment of youth to join Al Shabaab in Somali.

Uhuru also made his way through Kunze Road where a German and Russian tourist were shot dead by suspected Al Shabab returnees late last year as he headed to Fort Jesus to launch the National Youth Service recruitment exercise in Mvita constituency.

Old Town streets are marked as among the most insecure areas in Mombasa town.

Armed youths, whom police believe are followers of radical clerics in Mombasa, attack guests with knives.

Police say the youths are motivated by incendiary preaching from radical clerics at Mlango wa Papa and the past preachings of the late Aboud Rogo and Abubakar Shariff alias Makaburi.

Uhuru termed radical Islamic clerics as “liars spreading false teaching” adding that Islam is a religion of peace, which does not support racism or killing of non-Muslims.

Governor Hassan Joho, accompanying the President, said Old Town has turned out to be the most insecure area in Mombasa.

“Two months ago, we toured the area after attacks on guests and tourists by knife-wielding youths. They attack, kill or injure guests before vanishing into houses,” said Mr Joho.

He added that many youths from Old Town had joined Al Shabaab and others had been radicalised and were behind the frequent attacks in the area. Joho said consultation with stakeholders and leaders in the region was currently going on before major raids on drug dens could be rolled out.