Muslim leaders fault Kenya-Israel relations

Muslim leaders at the Coast have expressed concern over Kenya's ties with Israel and the recent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit.

The leaders warned that expanding security, diplomatic and technology ties with Israel amounts to endorsing the Jewish nation's oppressive policies against Palestinians and occupation of Muslim land and holy sights.

The leaders said this yesterday during Idd prayers that brought together Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho, Senator Hassan Omar and 2013 gubernatorial loser Suleiman Shahbal at Ronald Ngala Primary School.

Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar declared the technology and agricultural deals signed between the two nations to promote irrigation were a ruse because, "many nations have this technology".

The senator argued that Kenya could still secure such assistance from other nations with a good human rights record.

These sentiments were echoed at various squares, mosques and streets where clerics warned that deals between Netanyahu and President Uhuru Kenyatta might allow Israel's Mossad agency unfettered access inside Kenya to the detriment of those who oppose Israel.

They declared that their opposition to Netanyahu and Zionism did not extend to the Jewish people who they said have co-existed with Muslims for centuries and produced  prophets revered by Islam.

Former Chief Kadhi of Kenya Hamad Kassim declared that increased cooperation with Israeli institutions is likely to enable Mossad to participate in security sweeps targeting Muslim youths and clerics and even secular activists.

He said Israel's growing interest and influence in Kenya is cause for alarm at a time when extra-judicial killing of Muslim youths and clerics and secular lawyers was on the rise.

Kassim argued that African nations must not entrench ties with Israel before it changes its policies in the historic Palestine and the Middle East.

"We don't understand how African nations that have fought to end racism are cooperating with an apartheid state," said Kassim.

He argued that "our country is joining hands with nations that kill in broad daylight.

"We are not opposed to the Jewish people. Muslims and Jews have co-existed for centuries. What we are opposed to is the Zionist government," said Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir.

Senator Omar said the murder of lawyer Willie Kimani was evidence that anyone can fall victim to rights violation.

He said the "whole world" and the international community of human rights had ruled that Israel's policies regarding Palestinian's was a form of racism.

He said any nation that cooperates closely with the Israeli government endorses Palestinian suffering and a form of apartheid.