by Athman Amran

Muslim leaders are relieved that Kadhi courts were retained in the proposed constitution.

Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) Director-General, Sheikh Abdulatif Shaaban, said while Muslims should be happy with the outcome, they should realise that the reform agenda is bigger than the Kadhi courts.

"Kadhi courts were never an issue. No Kenyan was killed during post-election violence because of the courts. Muslims should now join hands with other Kenyans to ensure there is devolution of power and that a Kenyan can own land without discrimination," Sheikh Shaaban said.

He said most land in areas with majority Muslims has never been demarcated, adding power-hungry leaders had used the situation to lure Muslim vote.

Chief Kadhi Sheikh Hammad Kassim said Muslims are relieved the courts are retained in the draft. He, however, advised Muslims to read the document carefully and give their views.

"Muslims should know they are citizens like any other Kenyan. They should read the document thoroughly and contribute in giving their opinion," Kassim said.

Chairman of the National Muslim Leaders Forum Sheikh Abdillahi Abdi, who received a copy of the document on behalf of Kenyan Muslims, said the courts were a small portion of the document.

"As Muslims, we should concentrate on what would benefit all Kenyans," Sheikh Abdi said.

Chairman of the Council of Kenyan Muslim Scholars Sheikh Khalfan Khamis also said courts were never a contentious issue.

"It has never and will never have anything to do with the rights and freedoms of followers of other religions," Sheikh Khamis said.

While launching the document at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, on Tuesday, Committee of Experts on Constitution Chairman Nzamba Kitonga said kadhi Courts were never a contentious issue.

"On kadhi courts majority did not categorise it as a contentious issue as long as it remains in its present status," Mr Kitonga said.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga also expressed satisfaction the courts were retained in the proposed draft.

"I am happy to learn the Committee of Experts has included kadhi’s courts in the proposed new constitution. I am happy we have taken that direction," Raila said when he spoke during the launch of the draft.