A section of Muslim clerics is calling for a leadership shake-up at the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) over alleged lack of transparency and alleged mismanagement of funds meant to benefit Muslim communities across the country.
The concerns came to light during a regional forum of imams and preachers held in Malaba town, Busia County, where religious leaders revealed there was growing mistrust in SUPKEM's current leadership.
Sheikh Ramadhan Musa, the Busia Branch chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), accused SUPKEM's national leadership of failing to account for the financial support the council receives from international Muslim donors.
Musa specifically flagged alleged millions in bursaries meant for needy students, which were unaccounted for as of Monday, September 1.
“The council usually receives bursaries from other Muslim nations worldwide to assist students from less fortunate households in pursuing their studies. How these bursaries are being used remains a mystery,” Sheikh Musa said.
The bursaries in question are critical in supporting educational opportunities for Muslim Youth across Kenya, but according to the imams, the disbursement process has become opaque, with little to no accountability from SUPKEM's top leadership.
Another cleric accused SUPKEM's chair of sidelining long-serving and reliable trustees and consolidating control over the council's financial affairs.
The clerics warned that unless changes are made to restore integrity and openness within the council’s leadership, SUPKEM risks losing its legitimacy among the faithful, especially at the grassroots level where communities rely heavily on its services.
Discontent regarding SUPKEM played out a week earlier, with SUPKEM and its agents once again coming under fire over how Kenyan Muslims were handled while travelling for this year's Hajj pilgrimage.
Kenyans travelling for the religious event lamented over missed accommodation, transport, and other essential services despite having made full payments to unofficial agents, with fault solely falling on SUPKEM.
In the wake of the drama, Mudhar Khitami, Chair of the SUPKEM Hajj Committee, announced that going forward, it will be the sole body responsible for handling all travel documentation and logistics for Muslims intending to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
Seven agencies found to have violated Hajj travel regulations and guidelines were also suspended.
