CHUKA UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CRIMINOLOGY AND SECURITY STUDIES
YEAR 4 SEMESTER 2
ODEL CAT-SEPT-DEC 2024

CRSS 438: TERRORISM AND NATIONAL SECURITY

INSTRUCTIONS-ANSWER ANY THREE QUESTIONS ONLY
ALL ANSWERS MUST BE IN ESSAY FORM AND HAVE REFERENCES (APA
STYLE)

Q1. Describe the implications of terrorism threats in the social order of life in Kenya. (10
marks)

Implications of terrorism threats on social order in Kenya have profoundly affected the social
fabric and daily life in Kenya. With its strategic location in East Africa and proximity to unstable
regions, Kenya has faced numerous attacks, particularly from groups like Al-Shabaab. These
threats have had far-reaching implications on the country’s social order, encompassing security
policies, social cohesion, economic activities, and individual freedoms.

The constant threat of terrorism has instilled fear among citizens, leading to heightened vigilance
and a sense of insecurity, erosion of public trust, and fear in daily life. Public spaces such as
shopping malls, transport hubs, and places of worship have been targeted in past attacks, creating
a pervasive sense of vulnerability.

Community trust has been undermined, with some groups being unfairly profiled or stigmatized,
especially in regions with significant Muslim populations, like the coastal areas and North
Eastern Kenya.

Terrorism has exacerbated divisions along ethnic and religious lines which has caused impact on
social cohesion in response to attacks. Suspicion and stereotyping often arise, marginalizing
certain communities.

Such divisions threaten national unity and impede collective efforts to counter terrorism,
fostering further radicalization and alienation.

Tourism, a major pillar of Kenya’s economy, has been severely affected by terrorism. Repeated
travel advisories issued by foreign governments, disruption of economic activities, and reduced
international visitor numbers cause job losses and economic hardship in affected regions.

Businesses also bear the cost of increased security measures, which raises operational expenses
and reduces profitability.
Changing in the public and private life of the people, gatherings, celebrations, and events have
been curtailed or subjected to strict security protocols, altering the dynamics of communal life.

Families of victims experience long-lasting psychological and financial hardships, further

straining social welfare systems.

Kenya has increased militarization and policing in its security apparatus, including military
operations in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia. While these measures aim to
ensure national security, they also contribute to a sense of militarization and surveillance in
everyday life.

The adoption of counterterrorism laws, such as the Security Laws (Amendment) Act of 2014, has
raised concerns over potential human rights abuses and the erosion of civil liberties.

Unemployment and marginalization have rendered Kenyan youth susceptible to radicalization of

youth.

Extremist groups exploit social and economic vulnerabilities to recruit members, perpetuating a
cycle of violence and instability.

Efforts to address these issues have included counter-radicalization programs, though their
efficacy remains mixed.

References:

1. Botha, A. (2014). Radicalisation in Kenya: Recruitment to al-Shabaab and the Mombasa

Republican Council. Institute for Security Studies Papers, 2014(265), 1–28. ISS Africa.
2. Lind, J., Mutahi, P., & Oosterom, M. (2017). Tangled ties: Al-Shabaab and political
volatility in Kenya. Conflict, Security & Development, 17(5), 451–472.
3. Omanga, D. (2021). Counterterrorism and media framing in Kenya. African Affairs,
120(479), 51–76.

Q2. By use of examples, describe the inter-relationship that may exist between religion and
terrorism (10 marks):

The activity has been supported religiously which motivate them in conducting crimes for
example groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS often center around a distorted interpretation of Islamic
teachings. These organizations claim religious motivation to justify their acts of violence, such as
the September 11 attacks in 2001. Despite mainstream Islam condemning such actions, these
groups leverage selective texts to radicalize and recruit members.

Example 1:
The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda, led by Joseph Kony, has used Christianity as a
tool to justify violence, claiming divine visions to legitimize their cause and recruit fighters.
  Reference: Doom, R., & Vlassenroot, K. (1999). "Kony's Message: A New Koine? The
Lord's Resistance Army in Northern Uganda." African Affairs, 98(390), 5–36.

Example 2:
In Northern Ireland, the conflict between Catholic and Protestant groups exemplifies how
religious identity can overlap with political and nationalist tensions, as seen in the activities of
the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and their Protestant counterparts.

 Reference: McKittrick, D., & McVea, D. (2002). Making Sense of the Troubles. Penguin
Books.

Example 3:
Groups like Boko Haram in Nigeria claim to fight for the establishment of an Islamic state, using
interpretations of Sharia law to justify acts of terrorism, including attacks on schools and
religious minorities.

 Reference: Onuoha, F. C. (2014). "A Danger Not to Nigeria Alone: Boko Haram’s
Transnational Reach and Regional Responses." Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Abuja Office.

Example 4:
The Rohingya crisis in Myanmar illustrates how religious identity can be used to justify violence
against a minority group, as extremist elements among the Buddhist majority have targeted the
Muslim Rohingya population.

 Reference: Ibrahim, A. (2016). The Rohingyas: Inside Myanmar’s Hidden Genocide.

Hurst & Company.

Example 5:
The global war on terror initiated after 9/11 shows how global impact of religious terrorism
motivated terrorism can influence international policies, including military interventions in
countries like Afghanistan and Iraq.

 Reference: Gerges, F. A. (2005). The Far Enemy: Why Jihad Went Global. Cambridge
University Press.
Q3. By use of relevant examples, discuss what the saying "one person’s terrorist is
another’s freedom fighter" entails.

Key Elements of the Saying:

1. Subjective Perception:
What constitutes a "terrorist" or a "freedom fighter" is often defined by the observer's
viewpoint. Governments and dominant powers may label insurgents as terrorists to
delegitimize them, while the same groups may view themselves as freedom fighters
battling oppression.
2. Context of Struggle:
The context—whether colonialism, civil war, or liberation movements—plays a
significant role in framing the actions of these groups.
3. Moral Relativism:
The saying underscores moral relativism, where the ethical evaluation of actions like
violence depends on the observer's ethical framework or personal stake in the conflict.

Examples:

1. American Revolution:
British authorities regarded George Washington and other revolutionaries as traitors, but
they were celebrated as freedom fighters in the colonies.
2. Nelson Mandela and the ANC:
Under apartheid, the South African government labeled Mandela and the ANC as
terrorists, but they were globally recognized as leading a legitimate struggle for equality.
3. Irish Republican Army (IRA):
The IRA’s fight against British rule in Northern Ireland was viewed as terrorism by the
British government but was seen as a nationalist struggle by Irish republicans.
4. Taliban in Afghanistan:
For some, the Taliban’s resistance to foreign occupation framed them as freedom
fighters, while their extremist policies and tactics led others to see them as terrorists.
5. Hamas in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict:
Many Palestinians regard Hamas as freedom fighters against Israeli occupation, while
Israel and its allies view them as a terrorist organization due to their violent actions
targeting civilians.
6. Kenya's Counterterrorism Efforts:
In response to groups like al-Shabaab, Kenya has implemented policies that some see as
essential for national security, while others criticize them as oppressive measures
targeting marginalized communities.
The American Revolution (1775–1783) during the struggle for independence, the British
government regarded American revolutionaries like George Washington as rebels and traitors.
However, in the colonies, they were celebrated as freedom fighters striving for liberty.

Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) during South Africa's apartheid era,
Mandela and the ANC were considered terrorists by the apartheid regime. However, to anti-
apartheid supporters worldwide, they were seen as freedom fighters leading a just cause for
racial equality.

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) engaged in armed resistance against British rule in Northern
Ireland. To many in the Irish nationalist community, they were freedom fighters defending Irish
sovereignty, while the British government and unionist communities labeled them as terrorists.

The Taliban in Afghanistan: for some Afghans, the Taliban represents resistance against foreign
occupation and Western influence, framing them as freedom fighters. However, their violent
methods and oppressive ideologies lead others, especially in the international community, to
view them as terrorists.

Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: groups like Hamas are seen by many Palestinians and their
supporters as freedom fighters resisting Israeli occupation. Conversely, Israel and its allies label
Hamas as a terrorist organization due to its violent tactics, including attacks on civilians.

Implications:

1. Media and Language:

The framing of individuals or groups as terrorists or freedom fighters often depends on
media narratives, political interests, and the language used by those in power.
2. Legal and Political Consequences:
Being labeled a terrorist can lead to international sanctions, loss of legitimacy, and
targeted military action. Conversely, being regarded as a freedom fighter might garner
international support and sympathy.
3. Ethical Challenges:
The dichotomy challenges the global community to define and address the root causes of
conflicts and assess the legitimacy of violence in achieving political ends.