EXPLAINER: Understanding how Waqf works

On Wednesday morning, there was a lot of reporting on Waqf.

President William Ruto blamed former Attorney General Justin Muturi for failure in how he handled legal matters concerning the establishment of Waqf Commission.

He termed the former AG as 'incompetent'.

"I had a problem with the AG who was there before, he was fairly incompetent. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I can assure you that the issues of Waqf will be sorted out within months,” the President said on Tuesday.

Muturi responded saying that he worked to advance the establishment of the Commission and that it only stalled when he left office.

“The Waqf Act came into force on 31st March 2022, but it was during my short tenure that I operationalised it,” he said.

He said that he appointed the Selection Panel and also advertised the commissioner positions, and that he only left when shortlisting was ongoing.

The Waqf Act came into force on March 31, 2022.

A waqf is an inalienable charitable endowment under Islamic law.

According to the Waqf Commission, it involves donating a building, plot of land, or other assets for Muslim religious or charitable purposes with no intention of reclaiming the assets.

The Waqf Commission is mandated with registering all Awqaf, and Administering and managing Waqf properties registered under the Waqf Act, 2022.

It also supervises the efficient and effective management of all Waqf properties registered under the Waqf Act, 2022 and ensures the effective implementation of the provisions of the Waqf Act, 2022.

In the case of Kenya, the Commission is yet to be established, however, the recruitment process is ongoing.

The process is currently at the shortlisting stage.

It is being spearheaded by the Chairperson of the Waqf Selection Panel, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome.

The Waqf Commission is comprised of a chairperson appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning alongside six other members, also appointed by the CS on the recommendation of the Muslim Community.

It also comprises representatives of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and another from the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.