The ghost of youths radicalization is diminishing in North Eastern Kenya, especially Isiolo County.
The effort by religious leaders, county security team and other peace stakeholders has reduced the number of locals joining terror groups.
They have sensitized young men about the risks of joining groups like Al Shabab, which was threatening Kenyan economy.
The County Commissioner in charge of Isiolo George Natembeya confirmed that a good number of the reported 27 Kenyans that had joined Al-Shabab have returned home and surrendered.
“Through the help of some returnees, we managed to reach out to a group of youths who had intentions of joining the terror groups. Narrations from the returnees about their real experiences at the camps made those targeted to change their decision,” note Natembeya.
The former recruitment hot spot is becoming a safe region. There were several campaigns against radicalizations in mosques, schools and churches that have reduced terror related activities.
Religious leaders have also helped a lot. Ahmed Set, who chairs the Isiolo Inter-Faith Based Organization blamed false religious ideologies for the increase in radicalized youths.
“Sheikhs and imams played a very critical role in preaching against the vice in mosques,” Set said.