Muslim Youth Centre aims to create religious strife in Kenya, analysts say

By Bosire Boniface in Garissa

August 22, 2012

  • 51 comments
  • Print
  • Reset Decrease Increase

The al-Shabaab-affiliated Muslim Youth Centre (MYC) is out to create sectarian violence in Kenya, security officials and analysts say.

  • Kenyan police officers secure the scene of a grenade attack in which one person was killed and five injured at a crowded restaurant on May 15th in Mombasa. [Michael Richard/AFP]

    Kenyan police officers secure the scene of a grenade attack in which one person was killed and five injured at a crowded restaurant on May 15th in Mombasa. [Michael Richard/AFP]

The MYC, which is also known as Pumwani Muslim Youth, says Kenya is run by non-believers and has called on the Muslim community to revolt against the state.

In a post on its website on January 14th, the group has vowed to carry out "attacks against Kenya's kuffars [infidels] for our al-Shabaab brothers until the country withdraws its troops from Somalia".

In 2011, the United Nations Monitoring Group on Eritrea and Somalia cited MYC for recruiting, fundraising, training and supporting a jihadist movement on behalf of al-Shabaab in Kenya.

The MYC was established in 2008 and is led by Ahmad Iman Ali, also known as Abdul Fatah of Kismayo, who has been operating in Somalia since 2009, according to the UN report.

Since its inception, the MYC has developed a strong network of members and sympathisers in Kenya, and Ali commands up to 500 Kenyan fighters, many of whom are children, in Somalia.

"Ali's success in recruiting fighters and mobilising funds for the cause appear to have earned him steady ascendancy within al-Shabaab," the UN report said. "The group intends to conduct large-scale attacks in Kenya, and possibly elsewhere in East Africa."

After initial denials, the group confirmed its association with al-Shabaab.

"Ali's elevation to become the supreme emir of Kenya for al-Shabaab is recognition from our Somali brothers who have fought tirelessly against the unbelievers on the importance of the Kenyan mujahedeen in Somalia," the group said on its blog and Twitter account.

Since last year's UN report, the MYC has been very active trying to garner support for al-Shabaab using a two-prong strategy of publishing threatening messages to spread fear among the public and igniting religious strife in Kenya.

In a July 30th Twitter post, the group said, "The kuffar huffs and puffs but lacks staying power we will visit chaos upon you all".

In an August 3rd Twitter post, the MYC provided reasoning to its call to violence by publishing "Basic questions on jihad answered".

One question, "What can I expect when I join jihad?", MYC said, "For the privileged brothers and sisters who join jihad they are given training in everything from the true meaning of Islam to using RPG, AK-47s and other weapons."

Another question, "Will I be fighting other Muslims?", the centre attempts to provide religious cover for attacks on civilians: "Any Muslim who supports the kuffar against his Muslim brother cannot call himself a Muslim."

In response to "Where should I go to join jihad?", MYC tells its followers, "If you are in Kenya consider a hijra to Somalia."

Later that same day, the MYC Twitter feed provides a link to a video produced by deceased al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula leader Anwar al-Awlaki, in which it states 44 ways followers can support violent jihad.

MYC wants to create religious strife

Garissa District Commissioner Maalim Mohamud said followers of all faiths must guard against people who want to create religious strife.

"It is a tactic the centre appears to have borrowed from Nigeria's Boko Haram who have created conflict between Muslims and Christians," Mohamud told Sabahi. "But civilians have been made aware of the tactics and have been asked not to fall to the bait."

The group is fomenting religious emotions to draw the Muslim community to their heinous intentions, Mohamud said, citing an MYC Twitter post from July 30th that said, "drones kill innocent Muslims while Mujahedeen slaughter the kuffars".

The militants know their goals can only be achieved in a state of chaos, and after failing to convince the Muslim community that the war on al-Shabaab is a religious war, they are switching gears to focus on the old divide and conquer strategy, he said.

David Ochami, a Mombasa-based journalist who follows militant groups in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa for Kenya's The Standard, said the group is trying to win the hearts and minds of the Muslim community by creating perceived oppression.

While attempting to use new technologies and social media to spread its views, the MYC has blasted and censored followers on its Twitter account that have questioned or opposed their tactics.

For instance, when a user rejected an MYC tweet on drones killing innocent Muslims, the group responded with a threat: "You are a traitor and we will get you".

Security officials at all levels have urged the Muslim community in Kenya to ignore the MYC's calls for sectarian violence, which would threaten the peace and stability Kenya has achieved among its diverse population.

War on al-Shabaab is a war against extremism, not religion

Acting Internal Security Minister Yusuf Haji told Sabahi that despite the MYC's attempts, it is clear that the war on al-Shabaab is not based on religion, but rather a war against terrorism and extremist ideologies.

"The activities of MYC are a threat even to the Muslim community because they want to wage sectarian war," Haji said. "How can they claim that the Kenyan government is run by Christians when we know there are countless Muslims in high positions including me?"

Haji said he will do everything possible to wipe out the terrorists in Kenya.

He said the Muslim community should not be hoodwinked into taking responsibility for the crimes of some individuals. "No one will carry out a crime in the name of religion and expect to go scot-free," he said.

The minister has kicked off a series of town hall meetings to engage the public and ask for their collaboration in security efforts. He held meetings with communities in Garissa and Ijara and has scheduled more in the coming weeks.

What do you think of this article? (TOTAL VOTES: 122)

Dislike_icon(38)

(Comment Policy) *Denotes Required Field

Reader's Comments

  • Ibrahim
    September 30, 2012 @ 12:27:01PM

    As My freind Khalid says up the posts, The way Walter Joseph said, There is no way Kenyans can have a religious WAR.....This is utter rubbish. Anyone trying his best to separate Kenyans from Kenyans, Muslims from Kenyans, creating tensions among Kenyan tribes is doomed to fail. Many of my freinds are Christians, They go to Church, I go to the Mosque...So STOP this business. Fool some of the people sometime, but try fooling them all the time....

  • koko
    September 2, 2012 @ 02:50:55PM

    What i can say is simple, we are all kenyans let us mantain peace as we use to be,we have anation to develop and our focus should be on that.

  • walter joseph
    September 2, 2012 @ 09:55:58AM

    a half of my friends r muslims,very responsible individuals,hence terorist r criminals not muslims

  • Joseph Marende
    September 2, 2012 @ 09:00:59AM

    I would start by saying our government has failed us we Kenyan and thus why we are faced with this kind situations. This a country with enough intelligent unit and i may remember 15 years back Kenya was ranked among the best with security intelligence and i now wonder where they went to or someone is sleeping on the job. Now to face the fact, it is because of greed we are going to suffer more casualties since foreigners are getting our national ID and we are selling properties to these people like it has happened in luthuli mboya street. Very soon the indigenous people shall be removed from Nairobi like it happened in Sudan when they allowed traders to rule them and as you can remember they are being treated bad by the Muslim leadership.

  • LEONARD
    September 2, 2012 @ 07:59:36AM

    Its vert clear that this group is using every means to divide people a long religious lines, this is a very dangerous trend should people accept to be drown in to it. We should all- Christians and our Muslim brothers join hands to curse and rejects this group. let every body carry his own luggage other than engaging in un lawful activity and the outcome throw it to religion.We appreciates the fact that Muslim leaders have come out stronghly to condemn this violence putting confidence that this is not a religiuos war.LETS ALL SUPPORT THEM LETS OUR GOVERNMENT GIVE THEM SUPPORT THAT THEY DESPERATLY NEED TO FIGHT AND DISOWN THIS GROUP.Finally lets not emulates what is happenning in Nigeria. ALLAHU AKBAR. GOD IS GREAT LETS LIVE IN PEACE KENYANS.MAY ALLAH BLESS KENYA.

  • KACHONJO
    September 2, 2012 @ 06:45:05AM

    It’s high time now that everything became clear. We cannot be quiet and look on as our Churches go on fire like a kiosk. No way. Is this a war of Al-Shabaab or of Christians versus Muslims let them know that they should not see a lion that has been rained on and mistake it for a cat. The Government should really work so fast and in time otherwise things will not be the same again. We are tired as Christians. STAY ALERT

  • eviousjim
    September 2, 2012 @ 06:20:33AM

    All peace-loving Kenyans, irrespective of their religion, must wake up and fight this evil called Al-Shaabab and its sympathizers. Indeed, the MRC is clearly allied to this group and must be totally rejected.

  • joseph
    September 1, 2012 @ 05:31:45AM

    peece ma brothers,lets maintain peace

  • Owino Tedline
    August 31, 2012 @ 08:34:37AM

    It realy pains to see very few individuals wants to turn our peaceful country into a chaotic nation in the name religion. I wonder kind of religion will encourage muder and violence Oh Pliz let Almighty God watch over our nation and wash away the unholy thots.

  • Muricho Sirucha
    August 31, 2012 @ 08:07:58AM

    It is very unfortunate. Poor countries are now getting entangled into proxy wars waged by Imperial powers. The surge of fundamentalism in Africa is a reacttion by those who think our governments are stooges of NATO. Our leaders who flirt with the fundamentalists in the name of vote seeking should be carefully scrutinized. Tell the criminals to shut up and not promise dialoque for causes not justifiable. To our Muslim brothers and sisters, dont be cheated. A peaceful Kenya is better than a warsome.

  • Mkenya Mzalendo
    August 31, 2012 @ 07:34:51AM

    For how long are christians going to endure this terrible persecution? We have given all cheeks!

  • taddy
    August 31, 2012 @ 06:39:10AM

    Its high tyme we know who is the true God,The battle is in Gods hands to fight for the Christian,our dear muslim brothers you should learn frm the Chaos in middle east,Israel been a small country has never been defeated regardless of been surrounded by the might muslim countries Why? God fights their battles,Christians stay calm and see God our savoir showing his mighty powers.Kenya belongs to Jesus,and we are lend by the Holy Spirit.Its high tyme you know these fact and turn your ways and be born again.

  • Fredrick
    August 31, 2012 @ 06:37:22AM

    MYC should bear in mind that the solution to their problem is not war or declaring jihads on their fellow countrymen (christians). We have been living in harmony since independence Muslims and Christians are one. The government should take stern measures on this youth centers being set up in teaching the youth religiuos doctrines. Jihad was used long time ago when Mohammed(SAW) was spreading Islam.

  • Francis
    August 30, 2012 @ 11:39:32AM

    why should one think that "he" was killed by the GoK? The youth need to think beyond this. infarct all of us should search for the killers they will tell us more about the alshabab. Francis

  • shams
    August 30, 2012 @ 08:58:28AM

    seems to be quite a prejudiced report to me

  • Nyongesa Simiyu
    August 30, 2012 @ 07:26:21AM

    peace to all kenyan, christian and muslims alike. brothers lets not listen to misguided and disillusioned few who like the devil seek to create disunity and unrest. i love my brothers the muslims and i will not allow the devil in the name of alshabab put us assunder

  • njeribeau
    August 30, 2012 @ 05:40:16AM

    Its time for our Muslim brothers to open their eyes and see that they are being misled by the Al-shabab in the name of religion. I respect the Islamic religion and the same way they should respect Christianity. We all Pray to one God only that we have different believes. We should therefore learn as religions to respect eachothers faiths without bias. NAMASTE... Respect the God in Me and I respect the God in You. Let us learn to co-exist peacifully. We do note want to turn Kenya into a war torn country. We love our Country Kenya. May Peace prevail to all irrespective of their religious believes and subscriptions.

  • Mwangi
    August 30, 2012 @ 03:30:31AM

    Is slaughtering other human beings all there is for the purported muslim adherents? Why cant they come up with a programe that will promote those who are supposedly opressed through education, wealth creation and health including irrigation of the wastelands in North Eastern Counties that are desperately poverty ridden. This way they may easily uplift the status of their loved brothers and sisters and command respect of everyone to the extent of inviting others to join them. Islam is peace and should be so. Stop maligning the good name of the religion. We are all human beings.

  • david kingori
    August 30, 2012 @ 01:06:07AM

    there is a GOD IN HEAVEN , THE WAR OF JERICHO CAME DOWN WITHOUT ANYONE TOUCHING IT ,

  • George
    August 29, 2012 @ 01:10:20PM

    Muslim shud preach peace at the mosques and bring into the knowledge of the followers of the need to coexist irrespective of the religion. Everybody is equal before God. It is so sad to fight your brother/sister based on either ethnic background or relious background. Muslim shud lead the way for peace and show that they are against such heinous acts!!

  • Jimmy
    August 29, 2012 @ 11:14:20AM

    What a bunch of twitters

  • ANTHONY
    August 29, 2012 @ 10:06:42AM

    ... Muslims should not be generalised, its the idiots, idlers and non-thinkers among them that cause strife in the society as we know it in the name saving the society from non-believers. Pray, who is a non-believer? As far as anyone is concerned thats an amorphous term ... everyone is bound to believe in what they want to ... so long as its peaceful and can co-exist in harmony with others ...

  • elijah
    August 29, 2012 @ 09:44:00AM

    all we are brothers n sister n God call us to be son and daughters it doesnt matter the way that u go towards God n worship but by the end of the day we are all worshiping the same God n is ma view tht there is no any holy books that permit violence so my dear brothers and sisters let us embrace piace . I would like to urge my fellow youths both christiants, musilims .hindus, and any other religion let us involve our self in a constructive activity which will make this country of ours a better n admirable place on earth we owe a duty to create peace and love among our selfs n we should understand that a good feuture lies on our destenies.

  • Mathew
    August 29, 2012 @ 09:29:27AM

    True Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jews and all religions, you do not have to listen or read about fanatics and their evil ways. None of the above religions teaches that killing innocent man, women and children is right. Teach the youth values and not evil ways. We as Christians will stand by good and well cultured Muslims and we will teach peace.

  • AUGUSTINE J.NYAKATOMA
    August 29, 2012 @ 08:28:34AM

    Who are these MYC that they even threaten the government?! Are they powerful than the government? They should be dealt with quickly before they cause great harm and establish their power in Kenya. Kenya should not joke with these dangerous people. In my opinion these are strategies by Terrorists to expand their reach they wear different garments but their aim is the same. The garments of those Terrorists are such as Al-Shabaab (Somalia) Boko Haram (Nigeria) Uamusho (Zanzibar) Mombasa Republican (Kenya) etc. and if you investigate them all keenly, you will find that their foundation is Al-Qaeda. These groups call themselves religious but they deny religious Faith through their actions, in my opinion they are dangerous. Since there isn’t a single religion that teaches murder and chaos, that factor denies them the legitimacy to be called religious groups which are doing the Almighty God’s work. Since God is for Peace he is not a God of chaos.

  • ares
    August 29, 2012 @ 07:34:26AM

    religious extreme will never succeed here in kenya,my fellow muslims let us try something else

  • reid
    August 29, 2012 @ 03:24:49AM

    very true indeed. this shows that the Al-shaabab are losing their grip in Somalia thanks to KDF and therefore are resorting to other means like killing their own and blaming it on the government just to ignite religious tensions. i implore Kenyans not to fall prey to their ploy.

  • BARAKA
    August 28, 2012 @ 05:35:04PM

    There by East Africa Countries ought to make sure that peace and harmony exist in our mother land. Rulers and leaders must be accountable perform their responsibility. MY VOICE TO PRESEDENTS be strong ruler and leader. MUSLIMS STOP NOW TO ATTACH CHRISTIANS. Why? Live in peace with you fellow christians.

  • Mbae K.
    August 28, 2012 @ 03:19:40PM

    thanks for this vital information. it has always been evident, since the so called Abuja Declaration, that certain individuals have been plotting to import radical Islamism into East Africa and especially into Kenya. That is why I got very surprised that Mr. Odinga recently declared that the language of MRC was his own language.Before making such statements, our leaders should first do their homework and get the truth behind some of the dubious religious groups, NGOs and activists operating in Kenya.

  • Hameed
    August 28, 2012 @ 10:38:37AM

    I think our Muslim brothers are getting confused and are beginning to believe in al shabaab.We kindly request them to get back and think about the suffering in Somali....people dying....lack of food....wars...guns everywhere....TOTAL suffering.

  • Mwangi
    August 28, 2012 @ 09:53:57AM

    Jm...Guys are more informed today than yester years. They should not involve themselves with problems that do not exist. Youths, let us involve ourself with ideas that will add value during our generation and ovoid time wastage.

  • clay
    August 28, 2012 @ 08:36:57AM

    Its really embarrasing what muslims are doing, and not only in kenya but the entire world, every person has the right to worship in whatever religion that he/she feels at peace with is heart.One question that needs answers from kenyans is,Was the muslim cleric killed in a church?,or was he killed in by apastoror a priest?,My dear brothers and sisters your sinister motives will not bare fruit

  • angel rios
    August 28, 2012 @ 07:34:32AM

    we serve the true living God the God of Elijah.He has never been defeated and even on this we know He will win this battle for he is God powerful that anything or anybody else in the world.

  • John T.
    August 28, 2012 @ 06:39:51AM

    It is a pity how we tend to move ahead while others still want to cling on the past on basis of religious diffrences. we cant face tommoro if we cant see today, in-other word, we should not turn our cold shoulders to our brothers and embrace change despite the fact that it sometimes hurts, if we want a brighter future both for us and our friends.

  • kingsley
    August 28, 2012 @ 05:51:57AM

    kenya defence forces ar doing a good job we will not be intimidated by a group of terorist

  • Shujaa
    August 27, 2012 @ 12:39:27PM

    Crap

  • tubman william
    August 26, 2012 @ 02:49:40PM

    this is verry bad why do they want to do that in kenya ,we are note here to fight each other but cristians are calling for peease in the country even the government of this country the president and P.M have really try calling for pease in this nation .

  • shaq
    August 26, 2012 @ 02:10:41PM

    this is all nonsense

  • Ekambi
    August 26, 2012 @ 10:15:39AM

    I agree with خالد in totally. PEACE is the word to go for. After all, I was not born a Christian, it is a concept I willingly accepted. Therefore, I should not force everybody into Christianity, much as I would wish we were Christians.

  • Malik
    August 26, 2012 @ 10:11:41AM

    Governments in East Africa must remain alert on Al-Shaabab and their supporters in the region. Security whic is the basis for development can elude the region if religious tolerance is eroded. Al- Shaabab are like lunatics by thinking they can force their Islam down the throat of those who spiritually follow different sects.

  • abdy
    August 26, 2012 @ 09:41:27AM

    hope these "jihadists" come to there real sense of mind...unfortunate that they call themselves muslims.guns for hire. ruthless mercenaries. "shakes head"

  • Ali
    August 26, 2012 @ 04:53:53AM

    I would like to tell the true Kenyan Muslim to unanimously protect themselves from those misleading their sons in the name of religion. This Islamic school of thoughts such as MYC takes advantage of the new converts and those illiterates who neither have secular nor religious knowledge. Ask the people in Somalia whether Al-Shabaab is Muslim or was sent to destroy the Muslims. They do nothing to the disbelievers because they were sent by Israel.

  • moffat
    August 26, 2012 @ 04:43:46AM

    let,s call a spade a spade not a big spoon

  • CABDISAABIR YUUSUF
    August 25, 2012 @ 08:22:35AM

    Muslims are discouraged from being extremists by the ALMIGHTY God in the holy book {koran} the activity that alshabab had used to nominate jihad is not as they thought it Alshabab are terrorists although most of the religions call muslims terrorists but every thing would not be as u design it they said once[fingers are not same}SO in this world we will see what astound so GENTLEMEN STOP blaming others for nothing,...............MUSLIMS ARE NOT TERRORISM

  • wycliffe odongo ogao
    August 24, 2012 @ 05:28:43PM

    i dont belive it because the way i see things are going people will not believe it

  • Joseph
    August 24, 2012 @ 07:49:47AM

    Let Kenyans coexist peacefully without their religious background.We are all brothers.If cut-the blood is red period.All human beings are important.What religion is one in mothers womb?.

  • daniel
    August 24, 2012 @ 07:04:36AM

    It is high time to differenciate truth from illussion. War benefits no one in the long run!

  • simon lendita
    August 23, 2012 @ 02:32:18PM

    This is a bad sign to the region if the move mature the whole east Africa will be in trouble. I argue the community irrespective of their religion to shun away from the idea and discourage it. Religion leaders must stand firm to discourage the motion.

  • toky
    August 23, 2012 @ 11:10:34AM

    nonsense,they r heading no where

  • wilbert
    August 23, 2012 @ 08:08:03AM

    this is not fair for alshabab

  • خالد
    August 22, 2012 @ 08:43:40PM

    There is neither might nor power except from God. Let's Muslims and Christians live in peace in Kenya. It is a country for everybody. The solution in Africa in general is to spread the principals of peace and love once again and spread the concept of accepting the other not refusing him. Certainly, this is the mission of the cultured people not the mission of the shallow. While, if thinkers fight through their words to spread intolerance towards others, then failure will be awaiting for all of us because this uncalculated, unassessed and terrorist method will not change the stubborn minds, it will even make them more stubborn. By eliminating these movements, stability will be restored in the country. There will be more trade exchange and security in the oil areas. Thus, elimination of the terrorist organization is linked to international peace and security.

Latest News

In the Spotlight

Subscribe

Poll

Do you think Tanzania's ban on religious hate speech will stop attacks against churches and mosques?

View results