Two weeks after three women attacked a police station in Mombasa, Somalis living in the town have expressed their disappointment with the act, saying it tainted the images of Islam.
The youth, who spoke during an anti-radicalisation forum that brought together over 200 Somali youth at a Mombasa hotel on Sunday, the youth asked the government to deal with individuals and not victimize the community.
“A criminal is a criminal regardless of his religion, tribe or complexion. We are pleading with the government not to single-out the Somali community for victimisation,” said forum chairman Abdi Mohammed.
Mohammed further said that they will not allow terrorists to misuse Muslim women veils (bui-buis) to disguise themselves when carrying out their attacks.
Speaking during the same event, Mombasa Deputy County commissioner Mahmoud Salim, who was the chief guest, assured that there would be no victimization, dispelling rumours that Muslim women will not be allowed to cover their faces when visiting public places.
“There’s nothing wrong with wearing your veils and ninja. Identification for security purposes is a must. The enemy of Islam are the ignorant Muslims who are intolerant,” said Salim.