Leader urges Somalis to promote unity, cooperate with police

Somalis living in Mombasa County have been challenged to discard clan-based politics and foster unity in order to develop the country.

In an interview with the Nation on Monday, the Somali Youth Forum chairman, Mr Abdi Mohammed Daib, warned that action will be taken against anyone perpetuating negative clanism.

He also urged Kenyan Somalis to learn from the decade-long conflict in Somalia, which he said was largely fanned by clanism, at the expense of nationalism.

“Somalia is disintegrated because its citizens value clanism. Kenya Somalis should prepare for doom if they choose to go that way,” he said.

He added that Somalis living in Mombasa have managed to reduce their differences through frequent meetings to discuss, with one voice, about the issues and problems affecting them.

“We held several meetings where we denounced our clans and resolved to remain as one community, which is guided by sisterhood and brotherhood. Because our strength is key towards our socioeconomic transformation.”

He added: “Clan based politics is a thing of the past, barbaric and stone age rhetoric. Kenya Somalis should regard themselves as part of the Kenyan society and play their role in building the country and ensure it remains peaceful and united."

Mr Daib further urged Kenyans to avoid painting the community with the same brush because crimes are done by individuals.

“Profiling and association of crime to an entire clan is wrong and should never been entertained. Let every individual be held accountable for their action.”

The youth leader appealed to Somalis to cooperate with security agencies in providing information that can help avert criminal activities, which he said is what they are doing.

Edited by Philip Momanyi