Muslim clerics dismiss ruling on Kadhi courts

By Ngumbao Kithi and Ally Jamah

Muslim clerics at the Coast have dismissed the ruling on the Kadhi courts as a ploy to deny the country a new constitution.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Chairman Mohadhar Khitamy, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Chairman Mohamed Idris and the Kenya Ulamaas and Imams of Kenya Secretary-General Badir Khamis said the move was meant to force Muslims to reject the draft constitution at the referendum.

Sheikh Khitamy said Muslims would unite and vote ‘Yes’ despite the court ruling.

"We know what is happening in this country. We have decided to educate our people to come together and vote ‘Yes’ at the referendum," he said.

Sheikh Idris said: "We will focus our attention on the referendum, we are not going to be swept away by schemers out to deny us a new constitution," he said.

Faithful advised

Sheikh Khamis said the High Court ruling would not affect Muslims.

Separately, the Coast Women in Development Chair Betty Sharon supported the move by Attorney General Amos Wako to challenge the ruling that declared Kadhis’ courts illegal.

Meanwhile, Muslims have been urged to remain calm while debating the Proposed Constitution.

Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council Chairman Juma Ngao also advised the faithful defend their rights without resorting to inflammatory statements.

"There is no need of using insults against opponents when talking about the Kadhis’ courts. We have to conduct the debate in a civil and friendly way," he said.

Added Sheikh Ngao: "Just leave the Muslim leaders to do their work in following up the matter through the laid down legal channels without resorting to threats and demonstrations."

But Ngao renewed his criticism of the ruling saying it was motivated by deep-seated resistance to change.

"This issue is not about Muslims versus Christians. It is about those who want reforms and those who are resisting it. But the reformists will win," he said.