Kenya: The Registrar of Societies has ordered the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) to hold elections in the next 45 days.

In a letter dated May 14, and signed by Ernest Kioko, the Registrar accused Supkem officials of flouting Section 29 of the Societies Act by failing to conduct Annual General Meetings of the organisations and having elections for all office bearers.

 “This office is in receipt of a complaint dated April 23 this year requesting our office to urgently intervene as a result of inactiveness on the part of the executive committee of the Supkem now spanning several years to hold annual general meetings and therein conduct elections of all office bearers,” reads the letter.

The registrar ordered for new elections, failure to which the organisation may face punitive measures. The letter is directed to Supkem’s Secretary General Adan Wachu.

The complaint was filed by the Chairman of the Association of Muslim Organisations (Amok), Fazul Mahamed, who accused Supkem officials of not being responsive to the needs of the Muslim community in the country and only focusing on their self-interests.

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 “The problem with Supkem leaders and other muslim organisations is that they are not ready to take up fresh ideas. They have been in office for very many years without conducting elections. They have failed to provide leadership to Muslims” said Fazul.

He said the organisation’s previous elections were marred by gross irregularities and demanded that this time they be conducted by an independent body such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that it is free and fair.

“We are hoping that once through credible elections, all muslims from all parts of the country will have a chance to participate in the elections that should be free from irregularities,” he said.

Asked if he has an interest in running for one of the positions, Fazul said he has none but asserted the organisation should create enough space for the youth to participate in the running of the organisation.