Interfaith open day at Pumwani Riyadha Mosque promotes unity and counters extremism

Kenyans from diverse religious backgrounds on Saturday attended an open day at Pumwani Riyadha Mosque in Majengo, in an initiative aimed at strengthening community ties and countering violent extremism.
The event was organised in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

Visitors streamed into the mosque compound where they were taken on guided tours of the facility and its complementary services, gaining insight into daily activities and community programmes run by the institution.

The mosque’s Imam, Ibrahim Njuguna, highlighted that the mosque operates a vocational training centre offering subsidised courses in computer studies, driving, tailoring, plumbing, henna, and beauty. The programmes largely benefit residents of Majengo, an area that hosts thousands of vulnerable families.

Following the tour, participants engaged mosque leaders and NCTC officials in an interactive question-and-answer session focusing on Islamic teachings, interfaith relations, and the challenge of youth radicalisation. Attendees later shared a communal meal within the mosque compound.

Deputy Imam Ali Muhsin Ali clarified misconceptions about Islam, stating that the religion does not condone wrongdoing.

“Criminals misuse religion to manipulate and mislead people into wrongdoing,” he said.

NCTC Chief Liaison Officer Joseph Kanyiri said the forum was part of a broader strategy to build partnerships through a “whole-of-government, whole-of-society” approach as outlined in Kenya’s counter-terrorism framework.

He noted that while cases of radicalisation have generally declined, there is a growing shift towards online recruitment, urging parents and communities to remain vigilant.

Kanyiri also observed that misunderstandings between religious groups are often based on perception, adding that such forums help bridge knowledge gaps and foster mutual respect.

“We believe participants leave better informed and more resilient against extremist recruitment,” he said.

Local youth leader Daniel Shirima welcomed the initiative, saying it provided an opportunity to challenge long-held myths and promote understanding within the community.

He noted that Majengo has often been unfairly stereotyped as a hub of violence, but consistent outreach efforts by the mosque are helping reshape that narrative.

“This kind of engagement builds cohesion and trust among communities,” Shirima said.

Mosque leaders described the open day as a turning point in fostering openness and inclusivity, expressing hope that continued engagement will strengthen unity and dispel misconceptions about Islam and the Majengo community.