Lamu football tournaments aiding war against violent extremism, radicalization

Lamu security agencies and youth are engaged in a series of active football tournaments and peace walks aimed at fighting violent extremism and radicalization.

The soccer matches are undertaken in various areas of Lamu considered terror hotspots including Witu, Mpeketoni, and Kibaoni.

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

On Wednesday, KYBI facilitated a peace walk and a soccer 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 the Witu Primary School Ground shortly after the match, Amu Division Assistant County Commissioner Philip Oloo thanked the organizers of such activities, adding that they will greatly help to combat violent extremism among youths and preach tolerance and peaceful co-existence across the county.

Lamu has for years had cases of terror attacks and ambushes by Al-Shabaab militants from neighbouring Somalia that has left hordes of 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 youths. 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. I urge residents to share information with security agencies to curb any criminal acts in this place,” said Oloo.

He urged the youths to remain patriotic and loyal to the country and use their energies to build the county.

Kiunga Youth Bunge Initiative Director, Noor Dahir stressed that the organization’s key objective is to win the hearts of youth who constitute a significant segment of the local population.

“Most importantly, the tournaments we’re organizing seek to make vulnerable youths in our Lamu communities unavailable for Al-Shabab radicalization and recruitment. 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,” said Dahir.

Team Police Captain Police Constable Shem Juma expressed confidence that such activities will build rapport and foster positive relationships between them as security actors and the local youths.

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

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

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