By CYRUS OMBATI
Police have blamed some Muslim preachers for the rising cases of youth radicalisation that breeds terrorism.
Commissioner of police Mathew Iteere also attributed the radicalisation to negative narratives in electronic media and messages from radical preachers within the country and beyond.
“The radical preachers target the unemployed, desperate, illiterate and vulnerable youths. They basically misquote the Quran to justify terrorism acts,” said Iteere.
He noted that the indoctrination has led to some of the vulnerable youths committing heinous acts to the detriment of the wider Kenyan populace and the economy.
He said some of the youths have also lost their lives in Somalia and asked Kenyans at large to be on the lookout. “Parents should give proper guidance to the youths to be aware of such elements. The youth should be advised to desist from terrorist activities since crime does not pay.”
Iteere said this on Sunday ahead of the International Anti-Terrorism Day, which will be marked today.
Meanwhile, Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti reiterated the Government’s commitment to detecting, deterring and disrupting acts of terrorism by equipping the necessary security agencies.
Alertness
To achieve this goal, Saitoti noted that the Government had established the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Anti-Terrorism Police Unit and enhanced marine and border patrols.
“On legislation, the Government is still committed to enacting the Anti-Terrorism Bill 2012 which is currently lined for debate and enactment in Parliament,” he said.
Internal Security Permanent Secretary Mr Mutea Iringo urged for continued alertness from the public since the terrorists have not stopped their schemes to interfere with Kenya’s peace, freedom and democracy.
