By Chris Mgidu
Friday, March 28, 2014
NAIROBI-- Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday entered into security pact with Kenyan Somali community to combat terrorism which has caused tension in the East African nation.
President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto stressed terrorist attacks which have seen many Kenyans being killed and maimed by suspected 'al-Shabaab' militia must come to an end.
"We all have a responsibility to bring this to an end.
"Tourism has been greatly affected by these terror activities.
"The industry which contributes 10 percent to the GDP is virtually on its knees, " Kenyatta said.
He said his government wants to work closely with the Somali community and all Kenyans in weeding out terrorism.
He said the solution to terrorism cannot only be provided by the government alone because the financiers, inciters and those who commit terror live amongst citizens.
Kenyatta said the government believes that every Kenyan has a right to live, work and worship freely without any interference.
However, the President said he cannot allow a few individuals, who use religion to maim, kill and destroy the country.
The East African nation has been at a verge of terrorism threats by Islamists extremists allied to 'al-Shabaab' and Al-Qaida militia after Kenya forces took control of the insurgents’ stronghold in Somalia.
The police have also admitted that despite a boost in security the threat remained, urging shopping malls to remain vigilant and to "do more" to prevent attacks.
The recent terror attack at a church in Mombasa last Sunday and last year’s Westgate mall were blamed on the militants from neighboring Somalia.
But the police chief said security had been stepped up and appealed to city residents to be extra vigilant and take security measures seriously, regardless of their status in society.
Speaking during the meeting, the deputy president said Kenyans need to know and understand how to live harmoniously irrespective of their religious, tribe, color or political affiliation.
"We cannot allow the good plans we have for this country to be undermined by few individuals who use religion and places of worship to destabilize peace in this country.
"If it takes us to close a place of worship for us to have peace, so be it," Ruto said.
The police came under focus when the leaders, in the presence of Internal Security Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo, claimed policemen come to Eastleigh which is largely inhabited by Kenyans of Somali origin, to collect bribes and never to enforce law.
The Somali community vowed to take active role in combating the threat to the country.
The president had a lengthy meeting with members of the Eastleigh Business Community and elected leaders including Majority Leader Aden Duale.
The business leaders informed the President that they will come up with a task force involving businessmen, youth, women and religious leaders with local knowledge that will play a role in identifying those involved in criminal activities.
The President asked the leaders to inform him as soon as the task force is complete so that it can start working with top leadership of the security organs.
The Eastleigh Business Community chairman Hassan Guleid said the Kenyan Somali community was ready to offer all the support it can to Government in dealing with terror activities associated with the 'al-Qaida' linked Al-Shabaab terrorist outfit.
Guleid said the war terrorists are engaging in has nothing to do with religion as 'al-Shabaab' wants to portray it.
"These criminals are not Muslims.
"If they are fighting for Muslim rights, why are they also bombing mosques, markets and killing innocent people in their own country Somalia?" he asked.
The Kamukunji lawmaker, Yussuf Hassan, who himself was the victim of a terrorist attack said the Somali community has been seriously affected by terrorism and they are ready to join hands with the Government in dealing with these evil activities.
"We are Kenyans hence anything happening in this country concerns us.
"We should not ask what is the Government doing about this issue, but rather we should ask what we are doing to support the Government in improving security," the MP said.
Duale said if the community collaborates in fighting terror, security agencies will have an easy task.
"We are the ones to finish and stop terror activities.
"We should identify which mosque incites the youth, which businessmen fund their activities and who harbors these evil people," Duale said