Al-Shabaab attackers have no link to Islam, clergymen say

Supkem Coast chair Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy leads other clerics in condemning attack. [Photo: Kevin Odit]

By ALLY JAMAH

KENYA: Muslim leaders have strongly condemned the terror attack by the Al-Shabaab, terming them barbaric terrorists who do not represent the religion or its faithful.

Leaders of major Muslim organisations said the Somali-based militia was trying to spark sectarian conflict between Kenyans of different faiths by claiming they are acting on behalf of Muslims and Islam.

Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Adan Wachu said the wanton and indiscrimate killings of innocent men, women and children goes against all Islamic teachings and tenets.

Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar said it was the height of deception for the killers to suggest they were targeting non-Muslims only.

Al Amin Kimathi, convenor of the National Muslim Human Rights Forum, said the government should pursue the terrorists robustly, terming their actions indefensible and reprehensible.

Others who condemned the attack were Ustadh Juma Ngao of the Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council, National Muslim Leaders’ Forum Vice Chair Yusuf Murigu, Fazul Mahamed of the Association of Muslim Organisations of Kenya, Sheikh Khalfan Khamis of Majlis Ulamaa Kenya and Abdul Bary Hamid, Jamia Mosque’s secretary general.