Ole Lenku warns of rising ‘violent extremism’

By CYRUS OMBATI 

The government is concerned with the advancement of extremism in the country and wants both State and non-State actors to work together to counter it through positive interventions and responses.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku (pictured) said extremism is a danger to many hence the need for concerted efforts to contain it.

He specifically called on the leadership of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) to continue working closely with the Government in the fight against violent extremism, which continues to negatively affect the country’s economic growth and the well-being of Kenyans.

“I want to assure the Supkem leadership and indeed the entire Muslim community that at no time has the Government targeted them in the fight against violent extremism,” said Lenku.

He claimed individuals who perpetuate extremism leading to terrorism do so on their own and not as members of any religion.

He added that they only hide behind religion as a lame excuse to divide Kenyans. He was speaking during  a conference on security and countering extremism in Nairobi.

The event was conceived as one of the measures to help tame increasing extremism that appears to be growing rapidly in Kenya leading to terror attacks, therefore posing a threat to national security.

Participants were taken through a situation analysis of violent extremism, identification of gaps in responses to the situation by Government, civil society, development partners, sharing of experiences, best practices, learning and challenges in countering violent extremism.

POOR INTEGRATION

Lenku said poor integration in the society was the main cause of perception of exclusion among a section of the Muslim community, especially the youth.

He explained that this makes them prone to radical opinions hence push them to engage in violent extremism.

The minister also cited the conflict in Somalia that has provided a safe haven for outlawed terror cells such as Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda which export a radical ideology to neighbouring countries, including Kenya, as the cause of the menace.

High prevalence of poverty in some Muslim dominated areas, and the presence of radical elements and groups in the country also contribute to the issue, he noted.

“Al-Qaeda and its affiliates are actively seeking to recruit Kenyans to travel to Somalia to fight for Al-Shabaab and to carry out attacks in the country,” said Lenku.