Religious tensions grow in Kenya

Religious tensions are growing between Christians and Muslims after the Kenyan government extended amnesty to youth who denounce the Somalia based terrorist group Al-Shabaab.

Earlier this week the government gave a 10-day amnesty to members of Al Shabaab to surrender and assemble at government offices in Garissa, Mombasa or Nairobi.

Al Shabaab is believed to have recruited hundreds of youth from the mainly Muslim coastal and northeastern regions, as well as Nairobi.

But the move, which comes two weeks after Al-Shabab killed 148, mainly, Christian students at Garissa University College, appears to be dividing some Christians and Muslims.

Although Muslim leaders say they are also victims of terror attacks, Christian leaders feel that Muslims haven’t been outspoken enough to address radicalization.

General secretary of the National Council of Churches of Kenya Rev. Peter Karanja says, “we have often turned the other cheek, but now the cheeks have run out. The government must move with speed to definitely and openly punish the perpetrators of the attacks before Kenyans take the law in their own hands and foment an endless religious war.”

Christian leaders argue that the Shabaab youths willingly absorbed messages inciting them to kill Kenyans and that it would be a mistake to allow Kenyans to accept avowed militants, who have not repented their crimes, back into society.

Meanwhile, Muslim leaders have welcomed the amnesty and offered to advise the Kenyan government on the format the amnesty should take in line with Islamic law.

While calling for extension of the amnesty to 30 days, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims called on Muslim religious leaders to announce the amnesty in mosques on Friday.

The Muslim leaders also want to rehabilitate Al-Shabab returnees and say that, “Islam allows open reception free from any harm or denial for any person who surrenders and seeks forgiveness.”