National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has warned Kenyans against joining religions that propagate extremist ideology that breeds radicalisation and extremism.

Speaking at Busia County Engagement Forum (CEF) during sensitisation on National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism 2025-2030, Joseph Kanyiri from NCTC said there is a need for Kenyans to be always on high alert to avoid becoming victims of violent religious extremism.

“We are calling on Kenyans to be vigilant and understand the kind of religion they join. We want them to be in a religion that is anchored in the holy books and the true word of God. We have recently witnessed many religions coming up with extremist teachings that are misleading that have harmed many families, including loss of life,” he said.

Kanyiri called on the local administrators and stakeholders to help in ensuring that extremism is not experienced.

“The local administration and all of us should be watchful and make any reports to the government so that these cases can be managed before they cause a crisis. Let’s ensure we work with the national government towards civic education for locals against religious leaders who are out to brainwash innocent citizens with radicalization and extreme teachings that affect our national integration,” he appealed.

He observed that the organisation has made efforts to create educate members of the public on extremism.

“We have done a lot of awareness on violent and religious extremism and how to prevent it. They have developed the willingness to report these cases when encountered. We have also seen more participation from many stakeholders creating a whole of society approach in dealing with violent extremism,” he noted.

Dhamira Moja CBO Executive Director Sarah Martha said that as Civil Society Organisations, the agency will move to the grassroots to educate people to be part of a mechanism in dealing with extremism.

“As civil societies, we have been on the forefront of educating the community on various issues. From here we are going to ensure that community members, especially the youth have been sensitised on the violent extremism as they are mostly affected. We will inform the society on the early warnings and respond so that they can also help in prevention measures for religion and violent extremism,” she said.

Martha pointed out that the internet is the main area of recruitment of youth and promised to engage much on online education and sensitisation “so that our people can learn and understand the dangers that comes with the technology”.

Busia County Bodaboda Chair Boniface Okumu said his sector is always at the receiving end of accusations of aiding crime suspects move from Kenya to Uganda. He promised to educate his team on extremism.

“My call to all people in this sector is that, let’s not be deceived because terrorism doesn’t pay. Let’s do our work according to the law. Through our forums, I am going to educate members of my team so that together we can stop the extremism,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammad Oyolo, Imam of Jamia Mosque Busia, said they would be taking the messages to the places of worship to ensure many people are reached.

“For a long time, our religion has been perceived to be involved in extremism. But lately, we have seen people from other religions involved in extremism. This clearly shows that extremism is not a religious issue; it can be practised by anyone hence the need for the whole community to be sensitized,” Sheikh Oyolo said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Salome Alwanda