Lamu football tournaments aid war against extremism

Lamu security agencies and youth are taking part in a series of football tournaments and peace walks aimed at countering violent extremism and radicalisation.

The matches are organised in areas considered terror hotspots, such as Witu, Mpeketoni and Kibaoni.

They are organised through sponsorship by the Kiunga Youth Bunge Initiative in partnership with Act (ACT-Change Transform) under the Accelerated Response Initiative Against Violent Extremism programme funded by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund.

On Wednesday, KYBI facilitated a peace walk and a football match between the police and youth in Witu ward.

The match ended in a goalless draw and penalties were arranged where the police won against the Witu youth 4-3.

Speaking at Witu Primary School grounds shortly after the match, Amu assistant county commissioner Philip Oloo thanked the organisers.

He said the activities will greatly help to combat violent extremism among the youth and preach tolerance and peaceful co-existence across the county.

Lamu has suffered terror attacks and ambushes by al Shabaab militants from neighbouring Somalia that have left many security officers and civilians dead, and property worth millions destroyed.

“I am happy to be here today to preside over the match between the police and Witu youth. These activities are crucial as they go hand in hand to foster cooperation between residents and security forces and even help prevent youth from joining terror gangs like al Shabaab," Oloo said.

"I urge residents to share information with security agencies to curb any criminal acts in this place.” 

Oloo urged the youth to remain patriotic and loyal to the country and use their energies to build the county. 

Kiunga Youth Bunge Initiative director Noor Dahir said the organisation’s key objective is to win the hearts of the youth, who constitute a significant segment of the local population.

“Most importantly, the tournaments we’re organising seek to make vulnerable youths in our Lamu communities unavailable for al Shabaab radicalisation and recruitment," he said.

"That’s why we’re bringing them closer to security agencies so as to view them as good people with a good agenda for them. Today we’re in Witu. The coming weekend, we shall have another match and peace walk at Mpeketoni.”

Team Police captain constable Shem Juma expressed confidence that the activities will build a rapport and foster positive relationships between security actors and local youths.

“We want civilians to view us as brothers and sisters. I have really enjoyed interacting with our local youths and playing football together. I even feel relieved of work stress,” he said.

Jamal Shukri, the captain of the local youth team, said the matches promote mutual understanding and cooperation in the fight against violent extremism.

“We will continue to support our security agencies in ending violent extremism in this place. I believe by working together, we can create a stronger, united front against this pressing challenge,” he said.

Edited by Josephine M. Mayuya