NAIROBI, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has launched a counter-terrorism hotline to give citizens a confidential channel to report concerns linked to radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism.
Musalia Mudavadi, prime cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs, said the newly launched counter-terrorism hotline will elevate communities as key partners of security agencies in preventing terrorism.
Mudavadi said the toll-free channel allows Kenyans to share confidential tips anonymously without fear of exposure, removing barriers to intelligence reporting and strengthening public safety nationwide.
"Communities and security agencies should closely monitor the activities of such gangs, given the risk of radicalization and their potential evolution into violent extremism and terrorism," he said during the launch of the hotline on Thursday evening in Nairobi.
Mudavadi described the platform as a critical measure to enhance public safety and reinforce community-led approaches to countering violent extremism.
By removing barriers to timely intelligence sharing, Mudavadi noted, the initiative will build stronger trust between citizens and specialized security agencies.
"The hotline provides an essential platform for enhanced cooperation between communities and security agencies in making Kenya a country in which all people can live together safely and peacefully," he said.
Mudavadi urged Kenyans to use the platform responsibly and clarified that it was intended specifically for counter-terrorism reports, rather than general police complaints.
He called for heightened public vigilance ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that political gatherings could be targeted by extremist groups.
He emphasized that vigilance must extend online to counter emerging cyber-terrorism and ransom-seeking attacks.
Mudavadi stated that regional instability across the Horn of Africa continues to heighten security risks, making close cooperation between the public and security agencies vital for identifying and disrupting potential threats.
He warned that organized criminal gangs, including groups involved in violence and intimidation, could evolve into violent extremist and terrorist organizations if their activities are not closely monitored.
Mudavadi said communities and security agencies must increase vigilance to prevent criminal gangs from expanding, becoming entrenched and threatening national security.
The Kenyan official also emphasized that authorities must closely scrutinize organized criminal gangs that terrorize communities, undermine state institutions and threaten democratic processes.
