Supkem and rival islamic groups clash on Idd date

Muslim faithful hold their last Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadhan at Masjid Umul-Kulthum in Mombasa County. The government has declared Thursday a public holiday to mark ldd-Ul-Fitr. [PHOTO: KELVIN KARANI/STANDARD]

Mainstream Muslim organisations and scholars have defended Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar against criticism for advising the Interior ministry to declare Idd-Ul-Fitr on Thursday.

Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (Supkem) Secretary General Abdulghafur al Busaidy and his allies yesterday accused the Shura Council and other opponents of the Chief Kadhi of trying to divide Muslims.