Nakuru muslims laud court ruling on disputed security law

NAKURU COUNTY: Muslims in Nakuru have commanded a move by the High Court to suspend sections of the controversial security law, saying they contravened fundamental freedoms provided for in the Constitution.

Speaking yesterday during celebrations to mark Mali-un-Nabi, commonly known as Mawlid, an event that commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammed, faithful who converged at the Nakuru Jamia Mosque said the shelved sections needed critical review.

"We support President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto. We, therefore, request them to allow Parliament and relevant stakeholders to review the laws so that we do not have a retrogressive law in the country," said Kenya Imams Council Nakuru Chapter Secretary Athman Mahsoud.

Mr Mahsoud distanced Muslims from the recent wave of terror attacks in Kenya.

He said some politicians with selfish interests were using desperate youth and invoking Islamic names to radicalise groups, which ends up tarnishing the image of Muslims.

"Islam means peace, respect and humanity. Those fighting in the name of Muslims are misleading the public," he said.

RADICAL TEACHINGS

Mahsoud asked Islamic preachers to shun radical teachings and dwell on what is written in the Quran.

"Radical preachers are misleading and should be stopped at all costs. We want a peaceful Kenya. We want tourism to return to boost the economy," he said.

The event that involved a peaceful street march, songs and dancing culminated in a colourful feast and prayer session at the mosque.

The Muslim leaders also unveiled a New Year flag which they said symbolised the new union between Islam and other religions in the fight against terrorism.

Mahsoud alleged that some Western countries had been funding global terror networks.