Muslim leaders call for peace, unity

By Philip Mwakio, Francis Ontomwa and Marion Ndung’u

Muslim faithful marked Ramadhan in unity as the holy month ended.

Unlike in past years when sections of Muslims ended Ramadhan on different dates owing to conflict over sighting of the moon, thousands of Muslims on Sunday congregated for Idd prayers in various parts of the country.

In Mombasa, Muslim faithful turned up in large numbers at various mosques for Idd prayers.

“We need to uphold peace. We have remained united throughout Ramadhan,’’ said Chief Kadhi Shariff Ahmed Muhdhar at Ziwani Primary School.

Chairman of Shariff Nassir Foundation Abduswamad Nassir said Muslims should maintain peace and care about their neighbours.

Former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Hammad Kassim commended Muslims for being united this year.

He called for calm in parts of Tana River County, which has been rocked by clashes that have seen four people killed. Former vice-chair of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Hassan Omar called for speedy investigations into the clashes.

“We are approaching an election and cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to security matters,’’ he said.  After prayers, most Muslims trooped to Mombasa’s central business district to purchase foodstuffs.

Prices of most commodities, however, shot up. A goat went for Sh9,100 up from Sh3500.

Intensify security

“Despite the increase, we still have to purchase the animal as we have an obligation to observe the age old tradition of slaughtering goats at end of Ramadhan,’’ Abdi Salem, a faithful said. In Nyeri, Muslim faithful gathered at DEB Primary School for morning prayers. Sheikh Uledi Majid prayed for peaceful coexistence between people regardless of religion, political affiliation and tribe.