Focus on patriotism, not over legislation in war on extremism

Violent extremism remains a speck in the eyes of Kenyans, and we strongly believe it must be dealt with from all angles. This means all Kenyans, must own the process to prevent radicalisation and violent extremism. I make reference to the two terms “radicalisation” and “violent extremism” and not terrorism, which will be focus for another day.

Certainly legislation is advisable, but not taking excuse in laws and policy due to incompetence, to keep other players out of the mainstream to fighting violent extremism. Likewise, prevention must be given priority over military reaction. Lord Bingham, while evaluating the UK Government’s legislative response to violent extremism, warned that: “As soon as we decide that all means are permitted to fight an evil, then the good becomes indistinguishable from the very evil we set out to destroy.” This echoes a similar warning by Chief Justice David Maraga, when the Judiciary was blamed for not doing enough to ‘jail’ suspects of ‘terrorism.’ He reiterated that the courts must not act the same way as terrorists, but follow the rule of law.

Since then attempts have been made to manipulate the laws, policies and regulations, some of which are of late crowding out the non-state actors in the name of coordination. Bingham’s warning, against such knee jerk authoritarian responses by state agencies to security risks, provides compelling argument for legal restraint in favour of open public participation. All such ‘hard strategies’ have not worked in the UK, Europe and US.

The solution lies in promoting patriotism among Kenyans, and not just legislation. Over-legislation only leads to illegitimate misuse of power – that Prof Wragg equates with “a form of naked fascism.” Recent performance at the Kenya National Music Festivals, provides the greatest motivation, pathway and agency for this strategy of ‘tackling violent extremism.’ The media too has not disappointed in telling the story of success. ‘Prevention’ remains to be the rare point of convergence for community, academic and policy players. It offers alternatives for engaging community actors by the media, community leaders, teachers, social workers, women, youth and children.

It is important that preventing violent extremism becomes a priority for every citizen and responsible leader, all as part of “homegrown solutions.”

Therefore “patriotism to our nation” is key. If we are patriotic, we will not bow to divisive politics of selfish leaders who promote ‘the othering’ of citizens. Through patriotism, every person will embrace the Nyumba Kumi initiative, and be their brothers’ (and sisters’) keeper. And for this matter, no Kenyan will be motivated to support, join, or be an agent of a group that causes terror as happened in Westgate, Mpeketoni, Garissa University College or Dusit Hotel. For this to happen, the state and non-state actors must embrace collaboration on peace building for tackling violent extremism. Promoting patriotism is one such powerful mechanism. It is also time that peace actors move from “high end hotel workshops” with disguising “theory of change” assumptions, and instead, engage the public through effective messaging to promote patriotism.

With particular emphasis on ‘social harmony,’ preventing violent extremism emphasizes societal interests, community morals, and family values, even in efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate militants. As a country we have the resources and appropriate systems in place. What we need is to believe in our citizens, expertise, capacity to engage and our leadership to take collaborative action. Patriotism is the only way to prevent radicalisation and violent extremism, and “not discriminatory legal and policy systems.”

 - The writer is a University of Otago Scholar at the National Center for Peace and Conflict Studies - New Zealand, and former CEO PeaceNet Kenya.