Muslim clerics and police officers in Mombasa County have joined hands to fight crime in the region.
Mombasa County Commissioner Evans Achoki said the police and the clerics will work together in a bid to halt the rising wave of violence and crime in the Coastal region.
Speaking during a meeting between Imams and Mombasa County security chiefs at the county headquarters, Achoki said extremism and radicalisation cases in the region have gone down over the last year.
He however said the county has seen a rise in muggings and petty robberies, conducted by a gang of youth.
Mr Achoki said the youth who abuse drugs have been terrorising and stealing from residents in Kisauni, Majengo, Likoni and Changamwe.
“Most of the youth in the region are being recruited into illegal groups and falling prey to drugs and substance abuse. There is also a looming danger of the youth being used by rogue politicians to cause violence as the county heads to the general election,” said Achoki.
He added, “We have met as leaders to forge a way forward instead of waiting for the matter to get out of hand. There is great need for religious leaders and the security personnel to work together to ensure peace prevails.”
The Muslim clerics and police will also conduct monthly security meetings in the six sub-counties of the county to discuss security issues.
Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Organising Secretary Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa said there is need to advise and involve the youth in security matters.
“Previously, youth were being used to cause violence and participate in extremism but if we work together, our region will be peaceful as it has been in the last one year,” said Mr Khalifa.
He also urged residents to share intelligence for quick action in preventing crime.