The government has intensified its campaign against rising criminal activities, with security agencies urging residents to work closely with law enforcement officers to stamp out insecurity.
Malindi Deputy County Commissioner noted that the emergence of gangs of juvenile criminals locally known as mawoza, rising cases of killings of elders on witchcraft claims and religious extremism had tainted the name of Malindi, discouraging tourism and investments.
Speaking during a public awareness forum held at Mere Social Hall in Ganda Ward, Mr. Matevwa said the initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation between residents and security agencies in addressing insecurity and preventing radicalization.
Matevwa urged residents to provide timely and confidential information on criminal gangs, particularly the notorious Mawoza groups, whose members have been accused of harassing residents using machetes.
He warned against shielding criminals within communities, stressing that community intelligence is crucial in apprehending offenders.
“We are ready to continue working with residents as we have always done. However, we can only be successful if residents get angry and report suspicious criminal elements to relevant security agencies,” he said.
The forum was organized by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), whose representative, Ms Grace Kaparo, said had embarked on a county-by-county campaign to create awareness on the fight against radicalization and violent extremism among other vices.
Ms Kaparo cautioned the youth against religious extremism, urging them to critically examine teachings to avoid being influenced by extremist ideologies.
She explained that the NCTC is educating parents on the warning signs of radicalisation to help them identify vulnerable children.
She stressed that violent extremism should not be associated with one religion alone, noting that extremist ideologies have emerged across different religious backgrounds.
Kaparo underscored the importance of addressing socio-economic factors that make young people vulnerable to recruitment, noting that the NCTC was advocating for employment opportunities and empowerment programmes.
She cited youth livelihood initiatives in Kwale County such as the provision of motorcycles for income-generating activities, which, she added, could be replicated in Malindi and other areas.
The meeting brought together chiefs, village elders, nyumba kumi ambassadors, security officials and community members, who voiced concerns over deteriorating security and appealed for stronger government action against criminal gangs.
Dr. Athman Mujahid, a lecturer at Pwani University, used humor to educate the residents on the need to take proper care of their children to prevent them from being lured into criminal gangs and radicalization.
By Mark Wandera/Shani Rhai
