Balala clears air on Muslims vote story

By Jibril Adan

Tourism Minister Najib Balala has clarified reports indicating he said Muslims were ‘sorry’ for not voting for President Kibaki in the last General Election.

Instead, Mr Balala said had Muslims had resolved to support the Government on programmes meant for the benefit of all Kenyans.

"I told the President Muslims would support the Grand Coalition Government of which I also serve as a Cabinet minister," he said.

Balala, who is a member of the ODM Pentagon, said he did not say Muslims were misled into not voting for Kibaki.

Balala also cautioned there were "elements" out to create a controversy between Muslims and other faiths over the Kadhi courts.

"There are groups who want to delay the making of a new Constitution by creating animosity between Muslims and Christians over the Kadhi Court," he said.

The minister said Kadhi Courts have been part of Kenyan laws since independence.

Last polls

In the last General Election, Balala worked closely with the National Muslims Leaders Forums and the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya.

Separately, Nominated MP Sheikh Mohamed Dor said Muslims were not misled during the last elections.

He said the Muslim community made their choice independently.

On Monday, President Kibaki hosted Muslim leaders at a Nairobi hotel. He assured all citizens of his Government’s co-operation in their activities to boost development.

Congratulating the Muslims for successfully going through the Ramadhan, the President thanked them for their commitment to the less fortunate in society through donations during the month.

"I urge all Kenyans to emulate our Muslim brothers and sisters and similarly assist each other," the Head of State said.

Several ministers, assistant ministers and religious leaders from other faiths also attended the luncheon.

 

 

Read all about: Muslims President Kibaki Grand Coalition Government

 

 

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