Uhuru: We will not relent in war against terror
The Government is working with civil society, the private sector, neighbouring states, and the international community to counter violent extremism and terrorism, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
Speaking when he closed the Regional Conference on Countering Violent Extremism at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, President Kenyatta reiterated the government’s commitment in fighting terrorists and preventing radicalization.
“Their (terrorists) attacks has strengthened our resolve as a nation to overcome mighty odds to exist. And I am happy that Kenyans from all walks of life have appreciated the precious values that we are all fighting for,” President Kenyatta said.
The President said the Conference has offered practical recommendations including the need to strengthen communities to ward off extremists, work with security agencies to stamp out terrorism.
The president cited effective and inclusive delivery basic services to citizens as basic requirements to starve radicalization of its false claims of communal marginalization.
“Equally significant is the development paradigm we have adopted as a country in the form of dedicated resources to focus attention on some of the structural issues that may contribute to vulnerability,” President Kenyatta said.
TERROR GROUPS
The president also said the Government has scaled up efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate those who were recruited into terror groups, particularly those that have returned home voluntarily.
“In this regard, my administration gave an unconditional amnesty to all the youths that have been in foreign lands,” the president said.
President Kenyatta emphasized that it is nations – united in their determination to fight for a way of life defined by a celebration of pluralism, religious freedom and free association – that will finally defeat terrorism and violent extremism.
“Kenya is one such nation. Throughout our history, we have never forgotten that we belong to different faiths and speak different tongues; but we have never forgotten that these differences are a gift, and an opportunity to learn from one another,” the President said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said the two-day conference which was attended by delegates from over 41 countries has come up with specific recommendation to counter violent extremism.
The recommendations include enhancing engagement to clarify parameters of war against violent extremism and defining phenomenal interests to the actors engaged in values which need to be promoted and protected.