State Launches Regional Peace Initiative To Combat Violent Extremism Across East Africa
Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Internal Security
By KNA
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration in Kenya has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism across East Africa.
The program, part of the broader Peacebuilding Architecture, offers an opportunity to assess progress, tackle challenges, and take action in alignment with new peace strategies.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Internal Security, emphasized the significance of this initiative, calling it a “milestone in the partnership towards lasting peace and development” and underscoring the commitment to countering the “critical challenges posed by violent extremism.”
He commended stakeholders for their collective efforts in addressing one of the region’s most pressing security threats.
Omollo highlighted Kenya’s longstanding advocacy for peace, noting its success in maintaining stability despite challenges such as the Westgate, Mpeketoni, Garissa University, Dusit, and Shakahola tragedies. These incidents, he pointed out, reveal the persistent threat of religiously motivated violence in the country, which has led to “devastating losses” and ongoing insecurity.
“Social cohesiveness and peace cannot be enforced; they must be willingly embraced by citizens to be fully guaranteed and sustainable,” Omollo stated, emphasising the importance of community-led peacebuilding.
He also cited President William Ruto’s 2023 initiative to evaluate and strengthen the Peacebuilding Architecture, which aims to address emerging threats like violent extremism.
Omollo stressed the need for improved national legal frameworks, border controls, and regional cooperation to effectively counter these threats.
Omollo called for continued collaboration with agencies such as the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) and community-driven Peace Committees, which integrate traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. “Kenya remains committed to promoting peace and security… and will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving the goal domestically, regionally, and internationally,” he said.
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