Abstract: This article examines the foundations of youth radicalization, specifically the process by which individuals get cajoled into violent extremism. It seeks to establish what motivates them to join violent extremist group; the recruitment can either be voluntary or forced. It is during the early state of indoctrination that an individual crosses the threshold into violent action. The understanding of the process is crucial in discerning the full operation of terrorism and thereafter devising mitigation strategies.
The ontology and epistemology of this process is still misunderstood with researchers having developed a number of different theories and conceptual models that seek to explain the process. The theories have not been conclusively and empirically tested. The process is however, largely perceived to start with initial exposure through indoctrination, training, and then violent action. There is a general consensus, however, that many people who begin this process do not pass through all the stages and become terrorists. Many people who become extremists still stop short of the violence that is typical of militant jihadists.
This article shows how radicalizers take advantage of poverty, low level of education and perceived marginalization to lure the youth into joining radical groups, among them the Al-Shabaab, Mungiki (criminal gang in Kenya) and Mombasa Republican Council (MRC). In the Kenyan coast a number of youths have joined the radicalized groups. These youths are ready to indulge in violence this is has been depicted by how they have been forcibly removing the moderate sheikhs and Imams in the running of mosques and madrassas. This has gave room to heightened radicalization on Muslims.
Keywords: Violent extremism, Training, motivation.
Title: Examining the impact of Global Terrorism: Youth Radicalization in Kenya
Author: Mr. Meshack Korir Lomoywara
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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