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Kenyan police probe mosque over terrorism links

Xinhua, March 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

Kenyan police said Tuesday they are investigating another mosque allegedly linked to terrorism activities in the coastal city of Mombasa amid heightened security over fresh terror attacks by Al-Shabaab group.

Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa told journalists that the police are monitoring the activities of Masjid Mlango wa Papa situated near the famous tourist attraction site, Fort Jesus.

"We are investigating the mosque. We suspect it could be used to radicalize Muslim youth. It's under 24 hours surveillance and risk closure," Marwa warned.

According to National Intelligence Service (NIS), some radical Imams are indoctrinating youth with jihad sermons at the mosque.

Marwa said the mosque committee must take charge and stop extremist teaching that aimed at recruiting youth to Al-Shabaab terror group in Mombasa. He said the police are profiling several youth believed to have been radicalized within residential estates in the coastal city.

Marwa said the youth are accused of being behind organized gun and knife attacks in the city, and their names have been shared among security agencies and will be flushed out very soon.

"We have arrested two gang members in a major crackdown conducted by police at old town area following public outcry over rise of criminal gangs in the area. The operation will continue," Marwa said.

Meanwhile, police on Tuesday launched a probe into a report of alleged radicalisation of inmates by extremist preachers at main prisons in the coastal region.

Mombasa County CID commander Henry Ondiek said they have commenced investigation into the report released. "We have received the report and investigations has been launched to ascertain the authenticity of the report and take up appropriate measures." Endi