The National Police Service (NPS), in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), has intensified efforts to combat radicalisation and violent extremism through a public sensitisation forum held in Kilifi County.
The awareness meeting, held at the Shakahola Dispensary Grounds on Monday, brought together officers from the NCTC, the Malindi Sub-County Security Team, the Langobaya Division Security Team, local leaders and members of the public.
The forum aimed to educate residents on the dangers of radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorism while encouraging greater community participation in safeguarding security.
According to the National Police Service, discussions centred on how extremist groups exploit distorted religious ideologies to recruit vulnerable individuals.
Participants were also taken through key lessons from the Shakahola tragedy, which exposed the devastating consequences of religious extremism and the need for early intervention.
“The discussions focused on the dangers of radicalisation through distorted religious ideologies, lessons learnt from the Shakahola tragedy, early warning signs of radicalisation, indicators of violent extremism, identification of suspicious activities, the importance of timely reporting to security agencies, and the vital role of community members in preventing radicalisation and promoting peaceful coexistence,” the NPS said.
Security officials further emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between the public, the National Police Service, the National Counter Terrorism Centre and other security stakeholders in addressing emerging security threats. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
The police noted that strengthening public awareness and encouraging community participation are key to building resilience against extremist ideologies while promoting trust between citizens and security agencies.
The engagement forms part of broader government efforts to prevent violent extremism through community-based approaches that prioritise public education, early detection and cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
The NPS said similar public sensitisation forums will continue to be held across the country to reinforce collective efforts aimed at preventing radicalisation, enhancing national cohesion and maintaining lasting peace and security.
“The National Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering and promoting positive relationships with the broader society,” the service said.
