Muslims condemn murder of nine -year old boy

National Chairman Council of Imams and Preachers in Kenya Sheikh Abdallah Ateka (left) congratulates Kakamega County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa after attending prayers to mark Eid ul Fitr at Kakamega Jamia Mosque on June 5, 2019. [ BENJAMIN SAKWA]

Muslims in Kakamega County have condemned the murder of nine-year-old boy who went missing for two days and later found murdered and his body dumped in a thicket.

The victim, Ismail Shukkar left home to attend madrasa at a mosque in Kakamega town on Saturday but did not return.

Speaking during the celebrations of Eid al-fitr festival, Kakamega County Commissioner Abdiruzak Jaldesa condemned the incident adding that six suspects had been arrested.

“I thank you for maintaining peace during the month of Ramadhan and I urge you to help us uphold security by reporting to the police anyone with evil intentions. The suspects will be arraigned in court to help the family get justice,” he said.

The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) national chair Sheikh Abdalla Ateka asked lauded the government for ensuring peace during the EID Mubarak celebrations.

“I urge all Imams to preach peace and continue praying for our country. I urge Imams to investigate those allowed to preach in the Imams not to spread hate that might lead to violence I urge you to embrace unity and religious tolerance,” he said.

 Ateka condemned the recent murders experienced in the county and called for thorough investigations to establish the masterminds of the attacks.

“I urge police to speed their investigations, prosecute the suspects for the family to get justice.” He said.