Calls for unity dominated the prayers with Kenyans being urged to be tolerant of each other’s views

Muslim faithful hold prayers at Isiolo stadium during the Idd ul-Fitr celebrations on July 7, 2016. PHOTO | VIVIAN JEBET | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Calls for unity ahead of the 2017 general elections dominated Idd ul-Fitr celebrations across the country as Muslims ended their fasting.

Kenyans were also urged to observe high standards of hygiene to avoid contracting and spread of diseases like cholera especially in Mandera County.

Speaking during the celebrations at Jumuia Mosque grounds in Mandera, Sheikh Hussein Yussuf noted that poor hygiene in homes had contributed to the spread of the disease in the County.

“We have been having a cholera outbreak since April because we live in a dirty environment and we don’t treat our water,” he said.

The cleric urged locals to collect water treatment tablets available at the county hospitals.

The Sheikh who is also a public health officer, said cholera has affected 1,753 people in Mandera.

“We only have 18 deaths recorded in hospitals but many other deaths went unrecorded in the villages. We have to play our part to prevent the spread of this disease,” Sheikh Yussuf said.

Red Cross Society and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have reported reduced cholera infections with less than 10 patients in their respective treatment tents.

GET ID CARDS

In Meru, Governor Peter Munya joined the Muslim faithful at Maua Stadium in marking the end of Ramadhan and asked the Interior Ministry to make it possible for youths living in Maua town get Identity Cards.

Mr Munya said lack of identity cards, particularly for Muslim youth in Maua, has led them to remain impoverished.

“It is your right to get an ID. If you are Kenyan, born and working in Meru why shouldn’t you be issued with it?” he said.

A majority of Muslim youths operate miraa businesses in Maua town.

Mr Munya said business people have helped improve the region’s economy and therefore those who do not have the crucial document should get it.

UNITY CALL

Calls for unity dominated the prayers with Kenyans being urged to be tolerant of each other’s views as next year’s elections approach.

Muslims flocked Meru Primary School compound to mark the end of Ramathan where they were joined by Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood.

“We should pray for our country so that we can solve the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) dispute. Let us pray for unity and a peaceful, free and fair elections in 2017,” Mr Dawood said.

In Isiolo, thousands of Muslims thronged Isiolo stadium for prayers amidst calls to uphold human dignity and refrain from acts that are against Islamic teachings.

Isiolo governor Godana Doyo who attended the event called on Muslims to pray against vices that threaten Kenya’s peace and stability.

Isiolo Inter-Faith based Organization chairman Sheikh Ahmed Set urged Muslims to be role models and embrace unity.

“As Muslims, we ought to be role models in promoting peace and cohesion in our region and the country at large,” he added.

Unity among Kenyans of all faiths was the message that dominated celebrations in Mombasa with both Muslim and political leaders reading from the same page.

The faithful converged in several mosques, school playgrounds and other public grounds like
Tononoka, Mvita, Likoni Caltex and Ronald Ngala Primary Schools to observe the special prayers.

Former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Kassim led the prayers also attended by his successor Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar and called on Muslims to respect Sheikh Muhdhar.

“Let those criticizing the chief Kadhi consider apologizng to him,” he said.

The former Chief Kadhi said even in Saudi Arabia, the work is daunting and urged Kenyan Muslims to exercise restraint and respect.

However, Sheikh Muhdhar kept off the matter and urged Muslims to continue embracing peace and unity.

Supreme Council of Kenya Muslim (SUPKEM) national chairman Abdulghafur El-Busaidy called to an end into differences in opinion among Muslims.

Sheikh Kassim, Sheikh Muhdhar and Prof El-Busaidy called for unity among Muslims and urged generosity towards the poor and the destitute members of the society.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho called for unity among Kenyans which he said was essential for any meaningful development for the country.

Mombasa County commissioner Mohammed Maalim thanked the Muslim community for working closely with security apparatus to avert any security hitches during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

“We are glad with the level of cooperation granted to us by our Muslims brothers. We need to continue fostering that working relationship as we approach the high pick tourism season,” added Mr Maalim.

Also present included Senator Hassan Omar, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, businessman cum politician Suleiman Shahbal and Yatima Foundation of Kenya national chairman Sheikh Twaha Omar.

RADICALISATION

In Lamu County, county commissioner Joseph Kanyiri urged Muslim leaders to lead in de-radicalisation of youths as one way of ensuring peace and unity prevails.

“Let us all keep our eyes open and be very keen with every detail in mosques, churches and any other places that locals gather,” he said.

 

Source:Daily Nation /Kenya