Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho. He said the fight was succeeding as most of the local communities had realised the negative effects of radicalism. [Photo: Joho/ facebook.com]
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has revealed that had he failed to come out boldly to preach against violent extremism, youth radicalisation in Mombasa wouldn’t have reduced.According to the county chief, the fight against religious extremism in the country has begun bearing fruit.He said the fight was succeeding as most of the local communities had realised the negative effects of radicalism.“Some years ago, radicalisation of youth in Mombasa was being done in broad day light in some mosques but I did it and questioned the youth.Some called me a pagan but I never gave up,” he said, adding that he had to work with some local leaders and organisations to find ways of ending radicalisation.“I had to work with Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid to contain the vice; he in turn has helped by working on a plan to stop the spread of radicalization,” said Joho.He spoke during the launch of the Mombasa County Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Extremism in Mombasa.Joho called on more volunteers in the fight against extremism and radicalisation which, he said was a threat to the tourism sector in Coast.Coast is among regions in the country which have suffered more terror attacks championed mostly by religious fundamentalists.