The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss, Mohamed Amin, has emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to tackle radicalization and violent extremism, particularly in the North Eastern region of Kenya. Speaking at an event held in Wajir town, he called on local leaders and residents to collaborate closely with security agencies to create a safer and more secure environment.
During his visit to Sabunley Senior School, his alma mater, Amin highlighted the transformative power of education as a critical tool in empowering the youth. He urged the community to work towards raising educational standards in Wajir County to be on par with other counties in the country. “Education is the most powerful tool we can provide our youth, empowering them to think critically, challenge the status quo, and drive positive change,” he declared.
The occasion was marked by the official handover of a newly constructed 3.64-kilometre perimeter wall at Sabunley Senior School, a project made possible through the support of Mombasa Cement, alumni of the school, and other well-wishers. Amin used the platform to underscore the role education plays not just in academic achievement but in fostering community development and resilience against threats such as violent extremism.
He stressed that combating radicalization requires more than security measures alone; it calls for a holistic approach that involves social, cultural, and educational interventions. By equipping young people with critical thinking skills and opportunities for growth, communities can help prevent them from falling prey to extremist ideologies.
Amin also addressed other pressing social issues affecting the region, including the persistence of harmful cultural practices like Maslaha, which often undermine the rule of law. These practices, he noted, can obstruct justice and particularly exacerbate cases involving gender-based violence. The DCI boss urged the community to reject such traditions and instead support legal processes that protect victims and uphold human rights.
Land disputes, another source of conflict in the area, were also highlighted during his speech. Amin called on community members to adopt swift and effective mechanisms to resolve conflicts before they escalate into violence. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, mediation, and legal frameworks to handle land-related disagreements, which if left unchecked, can fuel unrest and insecurity.
In addition to these challenges, Amin warned about the dangers posed by misinformation and disinformation, especially in the digital age. He pointed out that false information circulating on social media and other online platforms can create divisions and destabilize communities. Such unchecked disinformation threatens national cohesion and can disrupt efforts toward peace and security.
The DCI boss’s message was clear: addressing violent extremism and radicalization is a shared responsibility that requires unity and cooperation across all sectors of society. He called on leaders, educators, parents, and youth to come together and actively participate in safeguarding their communities.
By investing in education and promoting a culture of lawfulness and justice, the region can chart a path towards sustainable peace and development. Amin’s remarks reinforced the belief that empowering young people through knowledge and critical thinking is fundamental to creating resilient communities resistant to the allure of extremism.
This call to action in Wajir comes at a time when security challenges in the North Eastern region remain a top priority for the government. With continued collaboration between security agencies, community leaders, and development partners, there is hope that the region can overcome the threats posed by radicalization and violent extremism, paving the way for lasting stability and prosperity.
In summary, the DCI boss’s visit to Sabunley Senior School served not only as a celebration of community achievements, such as the construction of the school’s perimeter wall, but also as a platform to address critical issues threatening peace and security in the area. His emphasis on education, legal justice, community engagement, and combating misinformation underscores the multifaceted approach needed to secure a peaceful future for the North Eastern region.
