MP wants madrassa syllabus unified across Kenya to check extremism

Zainab Chidzuga - Kwale County Woman Representative

KWALE COUNTY: County Woman Representative Zainab Chidzuga has called for a single syllabus for all Islamic schools (madrassa) in the country.

The MP said this would help check radicalisation and the spread of extremism among Muslim youths.

She said madrassa teachers need to use a unified syllabus so that those with ulterior motives of introducing children to radicalisation are curtailed.

"We should introduce a single curriculum that has a monitoring team to watch out for those teachers who are feeding our children with non-important issues," she said yesterday.

Speaking at Sawasawa grounds in Msambweni during a ceremony for 90 women who graduated from various madrassa in the county, Ms Chidzuga urged the Government to deal firmly with radicalisation.

The MP, however, pointed out that there were many good Islam teachers who should never be crucified with the few who are engaged in extremism.

SYSTEMIC KILLINGS

"A few teachers should not spoil the name of our religion," she stated.

Leaders present, including Governor Salim Mvurya, raised concerns that a section of the community was being profiled as terrorists.

"Right now, almost 15 people have been killed in Ukunda alone and we don't know what is happening. The killings are happening at the same time and in the same trend meaning those behind it are experts," said Bongwe/Gombato Ward Representative Omar Boga.

Mr Boga said the killings had given room for counter-accusations between the police and locals.

Mr Mvurya asked the police to investigate the killings and arrest the culprits to restore the locals' confidence in the security agents.

"There have been instances of Muslims being disturbed whenever a killing happens. Whether it is the police or members of the public killing each other, it should not be allowed. It's the core mandate of the police to protect every citizen," said Mvurya.

The governor reiterated his support for the madrassa classes and said bursaries would be made available for those joining the classes.