Reformist leaders needed as Supkem goes to polls

While the attention of Kenyans has been on political intrigues surrounding the repeat presidential elections, another important election is expected to happen today. It is the national polls of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), one of the main faith-based umbrella organisations in the country.

The event may seem mundane to many but should in fact be of interest to all Kenyans due to the vital role the 46-year-old organisation plays in the political and socio-economic life of the country. Many hope that a reformist and dynamic leadership of Supkem will emerge when 179 delegates from across the country cast their ballots to steer the organisation to play a more effective role in articulating issues facing all Kenyans.

Effectiveness

A stronger Supkem with effective and visionary leadership is in the interest of all Kenyans since it will contribute its voice and programmes to enhancing better governance, delivery of vital services, tackling human rights abuses and violent extremism, among many other challenges. It is encouraging to see that the polls have attracted a number of credible and respected personalities, raising hopes for professional management of the organisation.

It is also encouraging that Supkem's top seats, which were previously the preserve of people from Coast and North Eastern regions, where Muslims are the majority, may for the first time be occupied by people from other areas. Such a development will help advance the values of inclusivity and diversity.

For instance, Hassan Ole Naado who is seeking the powerful Secretary General's position, hails from the minority Maasai community, which forms only a small fraction of the population of Muslims in Kenya. The road leading to Supkem’s much-delayed national polls has been rocky as a section of current office holders have mounted spirited resistance, including sponsoring court cases to extend their stay in office. Fortunately, the charade ended when the High Court finally fixed a poll date.

Still, a section of the candidates running in the polls appear keen to maintain and entrench the status quo at Supkem that has been characterised by poor and unaccountable leadership, graft and partisan politics, leaving the umbrella body literally on its knees. In the recent years, the influence and impact of Supkem has waned significantly. Its leadership has not played a meaningful and constructive role in the national dialogue on political, economic and social matters.

Longevity

Some officials have overstayed in office, clocking 40 years in their position, with little to their credit. This may be partly responsible for the general paralysis in the organisation in fulfilling its mandate. Instead, the leaders are perceived to be more concerned with licking the boots of the government of the day in exchange for personal gain instead of objectively and responsibly lobbying and articulating the burning issues that are close to the heart of Kenyans.

For instance, in the ongoing political uncertainty that has gripped the country following the disputed August polls, Supkem leadership has not risen to the occasion expected from a responsible faith-based group to provide the voice of conscience and sobriety for the nation as other groups have done. Instead, the leadership has been more focussed on leading delegations to endorse political leaders instead of remaining non-partisan and unifying advocates.

Fortunately, the likelihood of a new reformist leadership emerging in the upcoming polls is higher since the elections are expected to be free and fair compared to previous ones which were characterised by blatant rigging, resulting in incompetent officials taking office. This time, the polls are expected to be supervised by the Office of the Registrar of Societies with a number of other measures put in place to ensure that the polls are credible, including ensuring that only bona fide Supkem delegates vote.

The new leadership that is expected to be elected on Monday has a huge and urgent workload ahead of it to restore the credibility of the organisation, enhancing transparency and accountability in the running of Supkem and strengthening strategic engagements with the government and other stakeholders, among many other things.

Mr Jamah is a Media Practitioner based in Nairobi.ally.jamah@gmail.com