We are not involved in public participation processes – claim Dongo Kundu residents.

MAYE Executive director Nicholas Songora (right) flanked by a representative from the office of the Senator. PHOTO BY JUMA M. MWABOYE

BY PETER KOMBE

A section of Dongo Kundu and Mwangala residents in Likoni Sub County have expressed dissatisfaction on the way public participation processes are done in the area.

In a Youth, Community Dialogue and Graffiti Installation public forum organized by Manyatta Youth Entertainment MAYE on Saturday at Anika Centre Dongo Kundu, the initiative dubbed “Kijana ni Kujituma” the residents claimed the county government has been sidelining them in most of the public decision making exercises.

MAYE Executive director Nicholas Songora poses for a photo with with some of the beneficiaries of the SAVET project Photo by JUMA M. MWABOYE 

“We are not aware of the processes and we depend on civil society organizations to update us,” one of the concerned youth shouted.

In unison the residents sung “We are not aware of the processes and are surprised by a planned validation process taking place in Likoni next week on Tuesday.”

Manyatta Youth Executive director Nicholas Songora urged the residents to jointly work together with the Community based organization in order to address some of the teething problems facing the locals.

Community members proclaim the message of peace, hope and love at Anika Centre Dongo Kundu on Saturday. PHOTO BY JUMA M. MWABOYE

The director further the youths to engage in income generating activities that would propel them to engage in vices such as violent extremism.

“It you the community to come together and speak. We are here as MAYE to address your concerns. Those problems you face will only be solved if you youths engage in income generating activities,” the executive director said.

According to him the only way to address the issue of rampant unemployment and poverty in the area is for the youths to engage in income generating activities.

One of the elders (name withheld) said there is a need for the community to work together closely with lobby groups in the area in a bid to address the issue of violent extremism.

As part of finding a lasting solution on VE the elder says dialogue and reconciliation is key within the communities.

“I think it is high time we work jointly with the civil society if we are to find solutions to the problems that we are facing,” the elder insisted.

The elder further recommended for a lasting solution on the prevention of violent extremism in Likoni Sub County.

According to him police shootings to youths engaging in VE is not a solution but complicates the entire cycle.

“We should find a lasting solution to some of these problems. Shooting is no solution. We have to sit together and find the source,” he noted.

Another source who spoke on condition of anonymity blamed parents on claims of bringing up irresponsible children.

The source argues that some especially the female lot have a tendency of covering up the ills committed by their children by bribing the authorities.

“According to me the cause of all this is poor parenting. Especially our mothers,” the source insisted

He is urging youths to stick to religious teachings and principles adding that it is the only sure way of them remaining on the safe side.

Some of the youths invited at the graffiti installation exercise hail from Mtongwe Dongo Kundu, Mbuta, Mwangala, Bububu and Kaya Mtongwe.

The youths got an opportunity to air their grievances and challenges attached to their security concerns.

According to the youth’s lack of access to information and marginalization by county government public participation processes still remains a critical challenge.

A grafitti of a youth proclaiming the message of peace, love, future, unity and hardwork to the community at Anika Centre Dongo Kundu AP camp. PHOTO BY JUMA M. MWABOYE 

The Grafitti installation exercise cemented the bond between the youth and the community in the Shrinking Space against Violent Extremism Thriving program.

Also at the meeting was Likoni Constituency manager Mohammed Salim Nyembwe, representative from the office of Mombasa senator, village elders and community leaders.