All religions must unite in fight against radicalisation, says Musalia Mudavadi
Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi (right) addresses journalists at the Pontoon Restaurant in Nyali, Mombasa, on October 12, 2015 after meeting Muslim leaders. He called on both Christians and Muslims to unite in the fight against youth radicalisation. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Mudavadi said parents are the people closest to the children who can detect first any “suspicious” behaviour.
- He also warned that if the loopholes in government expenditure are not sealed the country may be plunged into deeper debt.
- In Taita-Taveta, he met former councillors and other religious leaders on Saturday.
- Sheikh Said Mabruk said politicians must show goodwill in working with religious leaders and parents in rooting out extremism.
aAmani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi has called for unified efforts in the fight against radicalisation and extremism.
Speaking on Monday after addressing Muslim leaders and ward reps from the Coast at Pontoon Restaurant in Nyali, Mombasa, Mr Mudavadi said one religion cannot be blamed for the emerging trend of radicalisation.
“Recent trends have confirmed that extremism is not a matter of one religion as thought before.
“Youth and children known to have (a) Christian background have been arrested in relation to the vice,” the party leader said.
Mr Mudavadi said parents are the people closest to the children who can detect first any “suspicious” behaviour.
“Tackling extremism requires security agents, parents and religious leaders. Parents have the biggest responsibility of alerting security agents for action. This is how we can have sustainable peace,” he said.
PREACH PEACE
He urged religious groups to preach and pray for peace during this time that leaders are engaged in a heated debate on claims of fixing Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua arap Sang at the International Criminal Court.
At the same time, Mr Mudavadi warned that if the loopholes in government expenditure are not sealed the country may be plunged into deeper debt.
He was commenting on reports that the government is planning to borrow about Sh77 billion for salary payments and disbursement to counties.
Sheikh Said Mabruk, who spoke on behalf of the Muslim leaders, said politicians must show goodwill in working with religious leaders and parents in rooting out extremism.
Terrorism has claimed many lives since the Kenya Defence Forces crossed into Somalia in pursuit of Somalia-based extremists Al-Shabaab.
Mr Mudavadi has been touring the Coast for the last few days drumming up support for his party in preparation for the 2017 General Election.
In Taita-Taveta, he met former councillors and other religious leaders on Saturday.
On Sunday, he presided over a funds drive at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Kongowea, Mombasa, for a school school, where he addressed hundreds of faithful.
