Stop lying, Catholics tell Muslim leaders

The Catholic Church has defended Bura Girls National High School against claims that it has forced Muslims to attend Catholic mass and suspended those who resisted.

Catholic priests accused Muslim politicians of trying to create a religious conflict where none existed and distorting facts to achieve sectarian goals.

Led by Father John Correa, the Episcopal Vicar, the priests said the suspended students were found hiding in a store and failed to explain what they were doing there, adding that they were from different religious groups.

Speaking at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Voi yesterday, Father Correa who was representing Mombasa Archbishop Martin Kivuva said the decision taken by the head teacher was in line with school regulations and should not be criticised without ascertaining facts.

“The disciplinary action is a common practice and all other dispute-resolution mechanisms were exhausted before the students were sent home,” he said.

He regretted that the issue has been blown out of proportion and appealed for restraint saying investigations into the matter are still going on.

The clergy were responding to accusations made by leaders from the Muslim community who condemned the students’ suspension.

Legislators, among them Majority Leader Aden Duale, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nasir and the County Supreme Council of Muslims of Kenya Chairman Mohammed Washalla warned school authorities against violating the constitution which prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion.

School Principal, Azumta Munyao, has since denied the claims saying the issue was disciplinary and not religious discrimination.