CIPK raises alarm over youth gang violence in Lamu

The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) has raised alarm over the rising cases of gang violence among youth in Lamu, describing the trend as a worrying and dangerous development that threatens the social fabric of the community.

Addressing a press conference, the county chairman, Abubakar Shekuwe, expressed concern over the increasing number of young people engaging in violent and criminal activities, noting that the situation was both disheartening and unsustainable.

“It is painful to see our youth, who should be in schools or engaged in productive ventures, now filling hospitals with injuries from gang violence or ending up in prison due to crime and drug abuse,” he said.

Shekuwe noted that recent incidents involving organized groups of youth—some reportedly armed with crude weapons such as pangas—have heightened fear among residents and disrupted normal life in parts of the county. He warned that the normalization of such violence risks pushing more young people into cycles of crime and instability.

The chairman urged the youth to abandon criminal behavior and instead embrace Islamic teachings and cultural values that promote peace, discipline, and coexistence within the community. He stressed that involvement in crime would only lead to self-destruction and jeopardize their future.

“We call upon our young people to refrain from such practices. As leaders and elders, we are ready to guide and support you toward a better path,” he added.

Describing youth as the foundation of society, Shekuwe emphasized their critical role in driving community development across sectors such as education, religion, social welfare, and economic growth. He called on the government, religious institutions, and other stakeholders to invest in sustainable youth empowerment programs aimed at addressing the root causes of delinquency.

Leaders at the briefing underscored the need for a coordinated approach that combines law enforcement with social intervention, warning that failure to act decisively could allow the problem to escalate further.

The council reiterated its commitment to working with community members and authorities to restore order, promote positive values, and create opportunities that will steer young people away from violence and toward productive and meaningful lives.

High levels of poverty, limited access to education, unemployment, and poor parental guidance have been cited among the key factors contributing to the rising insecurity. These factors have created an environment where some young people are drawn into petty crime, robbery, drug abuse, and gang-related activities.