Muslim body criticises formation of another outfit

By Tobias Chanji and Ngumbao Kithi

The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) in South Coast has criticised the formation of a new group for Muslim clergy saying it will split the faithful.

Observers say the Assembly of Muslims Imams and Scholars (Amis) unveiled in Mombasa on Wednesday, was created by leaders disaffected by CIPK whose Secretary General is nominated MP Sheikh Mohamed Dor.

The new outfit is said to have been motivated partly by failure to hold elections in CIPK for decades, according to Amis.

However, reports say ideological, personal and political differences even with the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) were the reasons behind the new group.

Racial tensions have also been cited as a cause of the rebellion from mainstream Muslim organisations.  Yesterday, Amis and CIPK spoke separately in Mombasa and Ukunda.

Sheikh Amir Banda, who is the chairman of CIPK in South Coast, said, “It is politics being played”, in reference to Amis’ formation. He asked the founders of the new group to ‘cool their tempers’ and solve any grievances in CIPK through negotiations and the courts.

But Amis chairman Sheikh Mohamed Hassan Shali said the new group was created to preach peace.