Two Hundred Al-Shabaab Linked-Youth Go Missing After Release

Over 200 youth released from prison over their alleged links with Al-Shabaab cannot be traced.

The youth were arrested when police raided Minaa, Swafaa, Musa and Sakina mosques in September last year in an anti-terrorism crackdown and held in prison.

They were released from Shimo La Tewa Prison after local leaders promised to help re-integrate them into society. And yesterday, Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa confirmed that some of the youth are missing:“Politicians pleaded with the government to free them from prison, promising to guide them on to the right path. But now, it is shocking the youth have vanished. Where are they and what are they doing? Only a few who can be traced,” said Mr Marwa.

Mr Marwa told a security meeting at Mkomani Showground on Monday that he wants parents to come clean on the whereabouts of their missing children.

“They had grenades, firearms and Al-Shabaab literature when they were arrested. When they left the prison, we were told they would be rehabilitated. Parents should tell us the truth.”

Meanwhile, Mr Marwa who chairs the county security committee said all schools and colleges have been secured after reports Al Shabaab recruits are out to lure students to join the terror group. He said the government is also monitoring school dropouts and accused parents of failing to take responsibility for their children.