Muslim clerics have called on the government led by President William Ruto to use dialogue in solving their differences with the opposition led by ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking at Tononoka grounds in Mombasa after the Eid Al-Adha prayers, Wednesday morning, the clerics said that they don’t want to see a situation that will plunge the country into trouble.
“We want to ask the government and the opposition to embrace dialogue and solve their differences in an amicable manner," Sheikh Abou Hamza of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) said.
"They both claim to be fighting for the people, don’t hurt them in the process."
Sheikh Hamza said that as Kenya is leading peace talks in neighbouring nations, it was important that leaders also focus on seeking ways to amicably solve the differences between the government and the opposition.
“We cannot be seen to be leading peace talks outside yet we have hanging issues within our country. let our leaders agree to sit down and seek solutions to their differences,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by CIPK organising secretary Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa who called on Kenyans to unite especially during these harsh economic times.
Sheikh Khalifa said that it is paramount for Kenyans to call for and maintain peace at all times adding that Kenyans need to treat each other with love.
“We are called on this day to remember each other and spread love. Kenyans must rise and unite as we face harsh economic times and climatic conditions,” Sheikh Khalifa said.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga announced the resumption of anti-government demonstrations beginning July 7.
While addressing thousands of Azimio supporters at the famous Kamukunji grounds in Nairobi after jetting into the country from Poland on Tuesday afternoon, Raila said that the government had failed to listen to the opposition's demands.
Odinga said that the move by President Ruto to assent to the contentious Finance Bill 2023, was a clear betrayal of the Kenya Kwanza government to the people of Kenya.
“This bill is going to cause more pain to the people who are already overtaxed. It is clear that Ruto has refused to listen to the people, we are the people," Raila said.
He said that the only language the government understands is demos and boycotts, and that, the people will speak.
The clerics also called on Muslims across the country to use Eid Al-Adha day to help the poor in society as commanded by God.
Sheikh Abubakar Bamkuu, the Imam of Masjid Ummu Kulthum named after the mother to former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho, called on Muslims to share the little they have with the less fortunate.
“This is a day to reflect on the blessing that Allah has poured upon us and share with the poor. We are commanded by Allah to slaughter meat and share with others," Sheik Bamkuu said.
Bamkuu also urged Kenyans to shun corruption, theft and violence saying all these were going against God’s will for humans.
“I implore all Muslims to continue praying for the country as we face tough economic times and the threats of climate change,” he said.
Leaders present at the prayers included Joho, his brother Abubakar Joho, county assembly speaker Aharub Khatri, former Lunga Lunga MP and nominated CAS for Health Khatib Mwashetani and Mombasa ODM branch chair Mohammed Khamis.
The leaders, however, did not address the media.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
