Imams deny radicalisation at masjid mlango wa papa
IMAMS at Masjid Mlango wa Papa in Mombasa’s Old Town area yesterday denied claims that they have established links with terror groups in the region.
Khalid Mohammed Ali, a preacher at the mosque, refuted reports by government spy agency, the National Intelligence Service, that he has been engaging in youth radicalisation.
Addressing the media after leading worshipers in Friday ‘Adhur’ prayers, Ali said the assertions by the government are misleading and unfounded. He said the mosque committee runs the institution by Islamic teachings.
NIS has provided information to the local security agencies, claiming that the imam stands accused of engaging in extremist sermons at the mosque.
Ali has been summoned to record a police statement.
“We do not allow any violent preaching at the mosque. All our sermons are based on Islamic teaching that advocates for peace and co-existence among religions,” he said.
A senior NIS officer privy to the investigation said they have been monitoring the imam’s teaching, which they believe are aimed at indoctrinating youth to extremism.
NIS reports that the mosque has attracted a huge following that attends Ali's sermons after normal prayers.
Mombasa county commissioner Nelson Marwa told journalists on Tuesday that the police are monitoring activities at the mosque.
“We are aware of the activities that are taking place at the mosque. We are putting the imam on notice,” said Marwa.
Marwa said the mosque committee must take charge and stop extremist teachings that aimed at recruiting youth to terror groups.
According to police, Majengo gang leaders have now migrated to Old Town where they are engaging in knife attacks and mugging targeting foreign tourists at the historical sites
Ali distanced the mosque from the crimes.
“We condemn an upsurge of criminal gangs in Old Town but the government should not associate them with the mosque. We urging youth to be peaceful," said the imam.
The youth were blamed for killing Russian and German tourists last year.
Ali said detectives are yet to summon him and the mosque's committee over the alleged claims of violent teaching aimed creating animosity among religions.
He said religious leaders have an obligation to restore security in the county.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir and Marwa are expected to hold a security meeting in Old Town to address the upsurge of organised crime there.
Joho urged local leaders and parents to warn the youth against radicalisation and speak against violence on non-Muslims.
“We ready to work with security agencies to flush out these youths. How can we allow a few individuals to terrorise residents? This will never happen under our watch," said Joho.
The imam said they have been invited to attend the security baraza.
"The baraza is aimed sensitising residents on ways of tackling the rising level of crime being committed by youngsters mainly under the influence of drugs,” said Abdulswamad.