KILIFI, Kenya — The National Police Service (NPS) and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) have conducted a public awareness campaign in Kilifi County to educate residents on the dangers of radicalisation, violent extremism, and terrorism.
The sensitisation forum was held at the Shakahola Dispensary Grounds and brought together officers from the NCTC, the Malindi Sub-County Security Team, the Langobaya Division Security Team, and members of the local community.
According to the National Police Service, the meeting aimed to strengthen public awareness and encourage community participation in preventing radicalisation and violent extremism.
Focus on Shakahola Lessons
During the forum, security officers discussed the risks associated with radicalisation through distorted religious ideologies and reflected on lessons learned from the Shakahola tragedy, which drew national and international attention following the discovery of hundreds of bodies linked to a suspected starvation cult.
Participants were also educated on:
- Early warning signs of radicalisation.
- Indicators of violent extremism.
- How to identify suspicious activities.
- The importance of promptly reporting security concerns to law enforcement agencies.
- The role of communities in preventing radicalisation and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Strengthening Community Partnerships
The meeting emphasized the need for continued cooperation between the public, the National Police Service, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, and other security agencies to effectively address emerging security threats.
Officials noted that increasing public awareness and encouraging residents to report suspicious activities would strengthen local capacity to prevent radicalisation and terrorism while fostering trust between communities and security agencies.
The engagement also sought to promote vigilance, national cohesion, and peaceful coexistence through community-led security initiatives.
More Public Forums Planned
The National Police Service said similar sensitisation forums will continue to be held across the country to sustain public awareness and reinforce collective efforts aimed at maintaining peace and national security.
The Service reiterated its commitment to strengthening positive relationships with communities as part of broader efforts to enhance public safety and counter violent extremism.