Former Garissa Governor Ali Korane addressing religious leaders drawn from across the county. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Former Garissa Governor Ali Korane has called on religious leaders to play a more active role in addressing growing insecurity in Garissa town in recent months.
The violent attacks, mostly carried out in settlements within the town, have become so frequent that hardly a day passes without reports of robberies, assaults or other criminal incidents.
The cases, some of which are carried in broad daylight, are orchestrated by youth between the age of 15 and 25 and involve murders, stabbings, armed robberies and break-ins targeting both homes and businesses, leaving residents living in fear.
Speaking during a meeting with religious leaders, the former governor emphasised that faith leaders occupy a unique and influential position in society, noting that their guidance is respected and taken seriously by members of the community.
“Religious leaders are among the most trusted voices in our society. The messages they deliver from the pulpit and during community engagements are listened to with a lot of seriousness and can significantly influence attitudes and behaviour,” Korane said.
He noted that while the county leadership and other government officials have continuously engaged the security apparatus in efforts to address the security challenges facing the town, religious leaders also have an important responsibility to complement these efforts through their own platforms and engagements with the public.
“As leaders, we have been engaging the relevant security agencies to find lasting solutions to the insecurity affecting our town. However, this is not a responsibility that can be left to security agencies alone,” he said.
“Religious leaders have also been playing their part and we encourage them to continue and even intensify their efforts in promoting peace, unity and respect for the rule of law.”
He said sustainable solutions to insecurity can only be achieved through collective action involving all stakeholders, including community leaders, youth, elders, security agencies, civil society organisations and religious institutions.
“The challenge we are facing cannot be solved by outsiders. The solution lies with us as a community. Every stakeholder has a role to play and religious leaders must be at the center of these efforts because of the influence they have on the people,” he said.
He urged residents to work closely with security agencies by sharing information that could help prevent crime and ensure those responsible for criminal activities are brought to justice.
“We must stand together and speak with one voice against insecurity. Through collaboration, vigilance and community participation, we can overcome these challenges and make Garissa a safer place for everyone,” he said.
Sheikh Abdullahi Ali said they will continue using their platforms, including mosques, Madarasa and other public gathering to reiterate the importance of maintaining peace.
He further called on parents to take their parental roles seriously noting that good parenting starts right at home.
He said many of the social challenges facing the community can be addressed through stronger parental guidance and supervision.
Korane used the occasion to share his vision for the future of the county, where he also sought the religious leaders' support.
He pledged that if elected, he would elevate the directorate into a fully-fledged department to strengthen its capacity, expand its reach and enhance services to the religious community.
The former governor further promised to increase support for madrasa education through the recruitment of more teachers, improvement of learning facilities and investment in critical infrastructure to create a more conducive environment for religious learning.
Sheikh Ismail Bashir speaking at the function. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Religious and political leaders drawn from across the county. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Religious leaders drawn from across the county. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Sankuri MCA Abdirahman Borr speaking at the function. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
