The government has extended an amnesty for youths who could have joined terror groups, particularly the Somali-based al Shabaab to surrender. Interior Cabinet secretary Joseph Nkaissery extended the amnesty on Saturday and asked security agents not to harass those who surrender regardless of crimes they might have committed.
He also ordered investigations into alleged disappearance of youths linked to terror activities, especially in Mombasa. Security agents say more than 200 youths alleged to have links to al Shabaab cannot be traced.
County Commissioner Nelson Marwa also said most youths arrested and later released last year during the anti-terrorism crackdown in Mombasa mosques had disappeared and the government does not know their whereabouts.
The tough-talking Nkaissery said the government will rehabilitate and integrate radical youths who might have joined terror groups with the community if they voluntarily surrender as per the amnesty issued in April this year. He, however, did not give the deadline for the extension.
Nkaissery said police will not prosecute any individual with a criminal record, who voluntarily surrender to the authority, but instead warmly receive them and rehabilitate them so that they can join the society.
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