Blame individuals, not religion

Kenya-soldiers-military-somalia. (PHOTO:Courtesy)

When citizens are asked what causes insecurity, most of us point an accusing finger at the Government. The Government in turn points to terrorists. Below all this is the touche question on whether religion is to blame for the current state of insecurity.

Let's examine, the infamous Mandera attack. A teacher who survived the ordeal said the attackers were Muslim and that they were asking those hijacked to recite passages from the Quran. When I heard that, I asked myself, "Is someone is intentionally creating enmity toward Islam?“

In my humble opinion, Islam is a religion like any other and it is irresponsible for anyone to use it for selfish gain. Take the example of a county like Mombasa. Following the attacks in the area, security forces conducted raids in mosques suspected of harbouring weapons and other illegal material.

But the mosque is a building and the weapons said to have been found therein did not walk themselves in. Simply put, those guilty of the offence should stand trial, and not the building, in this case the mosque. We should stop putting blame on things that in themselves are not to blame.

Insecurity has ripple, far-reaching effects. Let's take an example of the teachers in Mandera who are asking for a transfer. If their employer, the Teachers' Service Commission, grants them their wish, then I pity the pupils who live there. Only the Government, with the citizens' help, can ensure that the promise of providing security for all is realised.

People on social media have been asking burning questions that have been bothering me. Are Kenyan soldiers few because most of them are fighting in Somalia? Is Kenya in need of more soldiers? My wish, like that of other Kenyans, is that we get answers very soon.

-Cy Muganda is a Standard Seven pupil at Shepherds Junior School. Views expressed are entirely his own and do not reflect the position of Generation Next.