A United Front Against Extremism: New Program Launches to Address Violent Threats in East Africa

 A United Front Against Extremism: New Program Launches to Address Violent Threats in East Africa


By Robert Njoya

Nairobi, Kenya – At the forefront of a renewed push for peace and security in East Africa, Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary (PS), today addressed the complex challenges of violent extremism during the launch of the 'Peace Building and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa Program.' Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Kenya) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA Kenya), the initiative signals a robust, collaborative approach toward combating the underlying factors of extremism while fostering community-driven peace efforts.

PHOTO: Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo

Dr. Omollo emphasized that despite progress, specific areas in Kenya, including Nairobi, remain susceptible to extremist threats. Reflecting on past attacks – such as those at Westgate, Mpeketoni, Garissa University, Dusit, and most recently, the Shakahola tragedy – he underscored the persistent risks posed by religiously motivated violence, which has gripped the nation’s collective memory. "These occurrences underscore the persistent threat of religiously motivated violence in our nation," he stated. "We must remain vigilant, not only for our safety but for the future stability of East Africa."

This new program, with communities at its core, addresses violent extremism by placing power in the hands of the people who face these threats firsthand. Dr. Omollo argued that community involvement in peace efforts is paramount, as sustainable security hinges on citizens' voluntary participation. "Social cohesiveness and peace cannot be enforced," he stressed, "they must be willingly embraced by citizens to be fully guaranteed and sustainable."

Beyond religious extremism, he acknowledged other key contributors to the rise in violent incidents, including the competition for resources and territorial disputes exacerbated by climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. "In these areas, pre-existing grievances are often exploited by extremist groups to further their agendas," he explained, stressing the urgency of addressing these socio-economic challenges.

Dr. Omollo also commended recent peacebuilding strides, notably President William Ruto's March 2023 initiative to review and strengthen Kenya’s Peacebuilding Architecture. This comprehensive framework, he noted, has been instrumental in identifying core conflict triggers within the nation and outlining solutions that prioritize lasting peace.

In collaboration with UNDP Kenya and KOICA, the new program stands as a beacon of hope, reminding Kenyans and East Africans alike that peace is a collective journey – and that community resilience and unity are the most potent weapons against the forces of extremism.

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