THE recent cold blooded and brutal slaughter of 147 college students in Kenya, reportedly by al-Shabab Islamic extremists, must be condemned by all right thinking people throughout the world.

This is indeed a barbaric act committed by religious fanatics and people of sick minds. According to media reports, Christian students were targeted in the killings, and many more might have been killed were it not for their professed belief in the teachings of Islam.

This action was rightly condemned by Pope Francis, the UN Secretary General and the US President, among other world leaders.

There is need, however, for the Muslim community both locally and internationally, not only to condemn such actions, but to openly disassociate themselves with terrorists groups such as al-Shabab and Boko Haram, which are only giving the religion of Islam a bad name by their destructive and terrorist actions.

At a more fundamental level, there is need for the teaching of religious and ethnic tolerance starting from the nursery level which must be reinforced in the home.

Respect for religious and cultural diversity is the hallmark of civilisation and any society which fails to inculcate and reinforce such values do so at their own peril. It has been scientifically established that there is no superior race or culture and it is therefore imperative that we inculcate these ideas and precepts in our children in their early formative years.

HYDAR ALLY