Kwale youths quit crime, transform into peace envoys

Local NGOs in Kwale have trained and transformed at least 213 former radicalised youths.

They were trained on countering violence extremism and some were taken back to technical colleges to gain different skills.

They were trained by local NGOs; Human Rights Agenda and Jamii Action Centre.

On Saturday, Human Development Agenda officer Kashi Jermaine said the programme also involved school dropouts and drug addicts.

The youth were picked from streets and others sourced directly from criminal gangs from Matuga and Msambweni subcounties.

The two areas are alleged to be the hotspot of radicalised youth and insecurity.

They have always been under heavy police surveillance.

Jermaine said ever since the youth were enrolled in the programme most of them have morphed into peace ambassadors and embraced better lives.

"We are happy to report that we have many youths who are currently in various polytechnics and heading on the right paths," he said.

The programme was launched in 2020 and the youths are subjected to a six-month mentorship training.

They are later taken through a trauma healing process, peaceful conflict resolution, leadership skills, talent nurturing and exposed to various employment opportunities.

Jermaine said their research shows that most youth were drawn to unlawful actions because of idleness, joblessness and lacking proper socio-economic network and advice.

The officer said the training has built up the youth's morale and enriched their intellectual abilities in bettering lives through peaceful and legal approaches.

Jermaine said the young men and women who used to cause mayhem are presently promoting peace and working with security agencies to stop crime in the community.

"We have sent them to their villages to act as conflict resolution officers and ensure other youths are not misused to cause violence," he said.

The right defender said the rehabilitated youth are playing a crucial role in harnessing the swelling political tension sparked by politicians as the August 9 polls near.

Jermaine said the young group is holding peace talks with their age mates to shun violence before, during and after the elections.

However, Jermaine now wants the government to use a similar approach in dealing with insecurity among the youths.

Kwale is among the coastal counties that have alarming cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced human disappearances.

According to rights defenders, more than 60 youth linked to radicalisation and criminal activities have been reported to have lost their lives.

Jermaine said with great empowerment programmes and job opportunities many youths can be saved and brought back to the community.

He urged the government to observe the amnesty policies in rescuing the young souls from illegal activities.

"Let's use the softness approach in re-integrating lost teens because some of them get involved in crime due to unavoidable life challenges," he said.

County peace ambassador chairperson Mwanakombo Kibwana told the youth who have received training not to forget where they come from and the importance of living a positive life.

She urged them to be great envoys of peace and shun violence at all cost. 

Kibwana said politics are seasonal and so are the politicians who want to misuse them.

She advised people to vote peacefully and wisely for a better tomorrow.

"Let your vote count for something and not be the cause for pain and regret," she said.

Msambweni assistant county commissioner Daniel Nyakundi told residents not to allow a few individuals to split them on basis of tribalism and religion.

He said any conflict should be resolved through peaceful means and  the law is available to ensure both complainant and defendant get fair justice.

(Edited by Tabnacha O)