We will weed out radical Muslim youths, promises Ruto

By BENARD SANGA

MOMBASA: The Government has warned of decisive action against the radicalisation of Muslim youths believed to be behind runaway crime at the Coast.

This is the first time the Office of the President has spoken about Muslim youth radicalisation in the region, that is blamed for a wave of daring takeovers of mosques, killing of members of the clergy and arson attacks on churches.

Deputy President William Ruto said the Government was concerned over increased radicalisation and recruitment of Muslim youths from the Coast to fight for terrorists groups in the region adding that they would weed out the radicals.

Ruto said they would deploy the military where necessary to combat the insecurity in the country.

He did not however elaborate the strategies the Government would use to stop the vice.

Forceful takeovers

In the past, an interfaith religious forum-Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics-which brings together leaders from all religions has said lack of money has hindered efforts to fight radicalisation.

“The Government will mobilise all resources available and take decisive action to make sure we stop the radicalisation,” said Ruto yesterday after unveiling 21 police vehicles contributed by the Mombasa business community to the Mombasa County government.

Radical Islamic youths, believed to be from Musa Mosque associated with slain Sheikh Aboud Rogo, had early this month been accused of being behind forceful takeovers of mosques.

The youths took over Sakina in Majengo and Liwatoni mosques on Mombasa Island. They also tried to take over Umar bin Khatab Mosque in Kisauni and another in Likoni.

He said that the government would by January give Mombasa County 15 more police vehicles to boost security in the area.

Ruto said that the Government has also come up with a vehicle management system that would ensure the police cars are well utilised.

Yesterday the county unveiled six motorbikes and 21 vehicles for the police and the county government announced that the number of vehicles would be increase to 50 by next year.

According to Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, the vehicles would patrol the villages where the level of insecurity has been increasing.

“This will give investors confidence and boost tourism in Mombasa. We are happy for the co-ordination between governments,” he said.