ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the central puzzle of unravelling the radicalization trends that may lead to violent extremism, with a case of Kenya. It demonstrates that radicalization leading to violent extremism is ever changing and, as such, unravelling the process can be problematic. The chapter argues that, in part, while religious spaces have been important in this trajectory, other variables have been shaping the trends. Radicalization remains a fluid and a disputed concept globally. It is applied in reference to the adoption of particular belief systems or values that may lead to violent extremism. One of the grievances cited by radicalization networks relates to how the Muslim constituency post 9/11, and arguably post 1998 following the US Embassy bombings in Nairobi, have been treated. Field interviews with a section of community residents, religious leaders, including security officials in both locations noted changing radicalization trends in terms of gender dynamics.
