Muslim leaders dismiss Ruto

By Athman Amran

Higher Education Minister William Ruto has been warned against trying inciting conflict between Muslims and Christians.

Speaking on Saturday, Muslim leaders took issue with Ruto’s call on Muslims faithful to reject the Proposed Constitution to avoid conflict with Christians.

Ruto made the comment while speaking to councilors in Kwale on Friday.

"Ruto has to watch his language so that he does not bring about conflict in the country," chairman of the National Muslim Leaders Forum Sheikh Abdillahi Abdi said on Saturday.

Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) organising secretary Sheikh Khalifa Muhammad also cautioned Ruto against inciting conflict between the two faiths.

"There has never been any conflict between Muslims and Christians. He is the one trying to bring about conflict between the two faiths," Muhammad said.

The CIPK leader said Ruto has decided to join those who are against Kadhis Courts.

He dismissed Ruto’s argument that Muslims should reject the document because the US supports it.

"We only disagree with the US when it supports anti-Islam policies. This does not mean we abandon Islam if US leaders become believers. And US leaders control US and not Kenya," Sheikh Muhammad said.

Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) director-general Sheikh Abdilatif Shaaban said Ruto had no moral authority to advise Muslims. "He is not a Muslim, never lived among Muslims and has no relationship with Muslims," Shaaban said.

Muslims Human Rights Forum co-convener Farouk Machanje reminded Ruto that the referendum is not a contest between Muslims and Christians.

"It is a contest between those who want change and those who prefer the status quo," Machanje said.