Heavy police presence in Mombasa as Mosques reopened

GSU officers keep guard at the main entrance to the Masjid Musa last week when the mosque and three others were shut down. (Photo:File/Standard)

Mombasa, Kenya: Residents of Majengo in Mombasa can now visit the Mosques after an agreement between the Governmet, professionals and muslim leaders to reopen them.

There was heavy police presence in the town when Masjid Musa was reopened shortly before midday, Thursday.

Tens of people streamed to the mosque to witness the reopening as youths took the responsibility to clean up the mosque and its environs.

Mosques Sakina, Minaa and Swafaa were also set to be reopened on Thursday.

Mombasa county government officials and other leaders announced on Wednesday evening that the mosques will Thursday afternoon be reopened for prayers, after holding lengthy discussions with national government security officials who.

The mosques had been shut down following claims that they have been acting as venues for radicalising youths.

A week ago, police stormed Musa mosque, Sakina and Mina and Swafaa and recovered eight grenades, one gun, machetes, knives and several petrol bombs. A 17-year-old secondary schoolboy was killed during the confrontation at Masjid Musa.

Addressing journalists at his office Wednesday evening, Joho said the mosques will be managed by the community elders in the respective who will decide whether to immediately arrangement to host the Friday prayers or not.

"The national government in conjunction with the county government will provide adequate security to facilitate the smooth running of all the mosques," Joho said.