Internal Dissidence and Radicalization into Violent Extremism in Kwale County, Kenya
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Date
2024-03
Authors
Kasimwa, Faith Analo
Xavier, Francis Ichani
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
JAIS
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the link between internal dissidence and the increased violent
extremism in Kwale County, Kenya. Using factor analysis design, this study explores the factors
driving internal dissent and the strategies used by listed extremists grouping to establish ties with
internal dissenters in Kwale County, Kenya. This study reviewed related literature in internal
dissidents, violent extremism, and radicalization to shed light on this study. The frustration
aggression drive theory and social movement theory were in grounding the discussions of the
two variables. This study established that a number of causal factors including lack of job
opportunities, discontent with education system, the widening gap between the rich and the poor,
and elitist social control of the economic system were driving internal dissent and radicalization
in the region. Listed extremist groups use propaganda, extremist religious teachings, and direct
recruit to establish affiliation with dissenters. Given that a large number of youth gangs that are
supported by known extremist this study established a high correlation between internal dissent
and existence violent extremism in the region. Therefore, this study recommends a shift from
top-down government led multiagency approach to bottom-up strategy embodying improved
public involvement as strategy for countering the spread of propaganda and misguided religious
teachings driving internal dissent and radicalization leading to violent extremism in Kwale
County, Kenya.
Description
Article
Keywords
Kenya Kwale County, Internal Dissidence, Violent Extremism, Radicalization, Counter-Violent Extremism
Citation
Analo, F. K., & Ichani, F. X. (2024). Internal Dissidence And Radicalization Into Violent Extremism In Kwale County, Kenya. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 8(3), 60-74.