Laikipia county administration will support every effort geared towards prevention of radicalization and violent extremism in the area.
Area governor Ndiritu Muriithi said as a government, they were committed in ensuring its citizens were not intoxicated with ideologies which bring about insecurity.
While officially closing a three day Laikipia County Action Plan to prevent and Counter Violent extremisms meeting at a Nanyuki hotel Friday, Muriithi called on all local leaders and stakeholders to own the initiative.
The governor asked every resident to be each other’s keeper, adding that the youth were soft targets for radicalization and manipulation into violent extremism.
He called on residents to promote patriotism noting that nationalism played a great role against every evil attempt aimed at involving individuals into criminal activities.
The County Commissioner Onesmus Kytha asked all stakeholders in the area to work closely with security personnel in combating all forms criminal activities.
“The Action plan will go along in supplementing efforts by the County Terrorism centre in preventing radicalization and violent extremism,’’ said Kyatha.
He pointed out that the matter required a multi-sectoral approach, adding that the local boda boda sector was very supportive in matters of security.
Njenga Miiri from National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) said emerging technologies and social media platforms in particular were playing a great role in mobilization of violent extremism and radicalization.
He called on parents to fully take charge of their families and monitor every activity and movements of their children.
The former Lamu County Commissioner said it has emerged that globally, people and especially the youth were being radicalized and recruited into violent extremism through the social media.
During the meeting, a Laikipia County Rapid Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, to be co- chaired by County Commissioner and the Governor was launched.
The forum drew participants from the County and national governments, the political arm, civil society groups, the business community and faith based organization among others.
By Margaret Kirera
