Terror groups using fake faith to recruit youth Kenyatta

Terror groups using fake faith to recruit youth  Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked the youth to avoid being misled into joining terrorist groups that are using ‘false faith’ to brainwash them to commit crimes.

Speaking when he launched the NYS Youth Empowerment Program in Mombasa’s Old Town, President Kenyatta said he had grown up with Muslim friends and knows Islam as a religion of peace that does not justify violence and racism.

“Which Koran are they reading? You are being poisoned and the only way we can resolve this problem is to unite,” the President said amid applause from residents.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala told locals that lack of employment can never be used as justification for abusing drugs or engaging in violent extremism.

Balala said that misguided people were spreading a false religion to recruit youth into terrorism.

“We are Muslims and Islam does not justify killing of innocent people,” he said.

In June, Interior CS Major Gen. (Rtd.) Joseph Nkaissery said that over 200 youth who had joined Al Shabaab militia group had surrendered to the government.

Nkaissery said the Al Shabaab recruits surrendered during the amnesty window announced by the government as a means of ending radicalization in the county.

Though he did not delve deeper into the matter, the Interior CS said that the government will not backtrack on its promise not to prosecute the recruits.

In April this year, Nkaissery announced a 10-day amnesty period to Al Shabaab recruits who decide to denounce their stand.

The recruits were asked to register with their respective county commissioners within the ten days in order to be assured of immunity against prosecution.

The announcement was made a week after Al Shabaab terrorists attacked Garissa University College killing 146 students and leaving over 100 others injured.

Tags:

kenya Mombasa terrorism president kenyatta terror Kenyatta religion Muslims faith islam

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