Hassan Joho accuses Muslim leaders of condoning radicalisation of youths

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho Monday accused Muslim leaders of not speaking out against the radicalisation of youths blamed for attacks on non-Muslims and increased crime in the county.

Joho and Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir claimed radicalised youths were behind attacks on non-Muslims in areas like Mombasa's Old Town, Kisauni, Likoni and Majengo and urged Muslim leaders to condemn the attacks without equivocation.

"We can't wait for outsiders to speak out on this issue. Leaders, imams and parents should condemn the young people who have been indoctrinated. They cannot be allowed to continue stabbing non-Muslims in the name of Islam," Joho said and warned that "if they want to declare jihad, they should do it against themselves by first reforming themselves.

Joho and the Mvita MP urged local leaders and parents to be on the forefront in warning the youth against radicalisation and speak against violence against non-Muslims.

"Enough is enough. We are putting the parents of those youths on notice and if they will not stop terrorising people, we will move house to house with the police and arrest them. We will even hire lawyers to make sure they are properly prosecuted and jailed," said Joho.

Last year, Mombasa was rocked by cases of insecurity which police blamed on radicalised youths from Majengo, Kisauni and Likoni areas.

The security apparatus have however been in a collision course with local political leaders who have in the past opposed security operation to root out the radical elements, accusing the police of targeting Muslims.

Joho said insecurity was being experienced in villages predominantly inhabited by the Muslim community and warned that his government will not hesitate to lead the police in a house to house search.

Joho said his administration was aware that the youths who have resorted to violence are also abusing drugs. "We are told they say that robbing the non-Muslims is advancing God's work. The biggest work one can do for God is to convert many people to Islam. I ask, if you kill them who will you convert then?" Posed Joho.

He continued: "Muslims should know that unity is a command from God and we should be united."

Nassir said some of the cases of insecurity in Majengo and Old town were as a result of the youths stealing from non-Muslims. He noted that the victims who do not have money are stabbed.

The MP said it was a shame that some drug dens were near mosques and "worshipers inside the mosque could even smell bang smoked next to them but keep quiet."

"On Friday we will hold the biggest rally in Kibokoni (Old Town) to sensitise the locals against fundamentalism and launch the construction of police units in the area. This area has become the most insecure region in Mombasa," said Nassir.

He said tenders for construction of the police units in Old Town would be advertised soon and that the police officers would be posted to the area to stop the collection of money from non-Muslims.

"We have resolved with the governor and senator that we will support the police in the fight against drugs and radicalisation. We can't allow few groups youths to bring this county's economy to the knees," he said.

The leaders were speaking on Sunday during a funds drive to assist the construction of a mosque in Mombasa at the Muslim Women Center.