Muslim Clerics in Kwale County launched an initiative aimed at curbing radicalization menace among secondary school students at the coastal region.
According to the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), radicalization has affected many students with a considerable number dropping out of school in joining militia groups.
13 secondary schools from Kwale County were taken through a sensitization program organized by CIPK covering extremism and drug abuse. The forum was held at Waa Girls Secondary School.
Speaking at the forum, CIPK organizing secretary Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa said its saddening even girls are now joining militia groups after being lured with incentives.
The sensitization by CIPK is aimed to reach out at a group that is being targeted by illegal groupings and especially girls who are now the targets for the extremist’s jihadist group killing innocent people in the guise of a religion, Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa said.
Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa noted that the program is important and aimed at combating extremism before it escalates in the coastal region.
Hamisi Libondo of the association of Muslim patrons noted the misconception of Quran verses by the youth which has led to high numbers of youths ending up in wrong groups.
Libondo called on the need to have specialized scholars to offer interpretation on the meaning of the Holy book (Quran).
The deradicalization initiative is expected to run in all the coastal counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu and Taita Taveta.
