Muslim Clerics Divided Over Support for Jubilee's Uhuru Kenyatta

A section of Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) leaders has revealed that President Uhuru Kenyatta was duped by a section of its leaders.

Led by SUPKEM Garissa branch secretary Abdullahi Salat, the clerics dismissed a delegation of Muslim scholars and clerics who had endorsed President Kenyatta's reelection bid.

On May 23, SUPKEM secretary general Sheikh Adan Wachu led a delegation of Muslim clerics to state house where they endorsed Kenyatta's candidature, a decision that has left the body split.

“It is unfortunate that a few individuals would make statements that are not binding. We want to caution political parties not to be hoodwinked by individuals advancing their own interests and not speaking on behalf of the Muslim community,” Salat said.

Salat clarified that the clerics who endorsed Uhuru did so out of their selfish interest without consulting other Muslims and have no authority to make decisions for the Muslims.

“It is should be noted that nobody involved or consulted us before such a decision was arrived at. All we can do as Muslims is give guidelines to members then leave them to decide.” He said.

Salat wondered why a few individuals would purport to make decisions for others, stating that this was now becoming a habit every election year.

During the event at State House, the clerics led by Sheikh Adan Wachu defended their actions, stating that "Muslim scholars and leaders have a duty to guide the community to make the right decision."

Speaking after the endorsement, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale congratulated the Muslim clerics and scholars for endorsing Kenyatta “because of the many good things he has done for them, including appointments in key positions”.

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