Mandera women asked to join fight against extremism

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has urged women in Mandera County to join the fight against extremism.

Speaking in Mandera on Tuesday, NCIC Vice Chairperson Ms Irene Wanyoike said women are major stakeholders in the restoration of Mandera County's lost glory.

“NCIC is here to help build the capacity of women for their role in countering extremism. We want many women to join the wagon for a successful mission,” she said.

Ms Wanyoike, who said women remained a core component in restoring peace in Mandera, challenged their male counterparts to support the anti-extremism campaign.

She said for meaningful development to be realised in Mandera County, peace and security have to be restored.

Ms Wanyoike, who challenged women to volunteer information to security agencies, said once they are united in fighting extremism, the society will be free from curfews.

PROTECTING COUNTY

“We know when our children and husbands are misbehaving and we can report this to security agencies for immediate action,” she said.

Ms Wanyoike added that women needed to teach their children importance of protecting their county and country rather than joining jihadists.

East and Central Africa Inter-peace advisor Mr Johan Svensson called on women to instil good values in their families.

“Women in Mandera have to start instilling good values in their families and unite different communities in the fight against extremism,” he said.

Mr Edwin Kuria, who was representing Mandera County Commissioner at the forum, said the county was ailing from mistrust amongst security stakeholders.

Mr Kuria said the national government's has put in place plans to counter extremism in Mandera, but this has been delayed by the local community.