09042010
Afranblog
MUSLIM LEADERS remained cautious on going public with their stand on the Proposed Constitution.
They said they were still consulting and holding meetings before taking a position. Prof. Abdullghafoor H.S. Elbusaidy, Chairma of Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims said Muslim leaders have started a series of meetings towards understanding the Proposed Constitution as presented to the Attorney General. He was issuing a statement after a three-hour meeting with Muslim Ulamaa at the Jamia Mosque in Nairobi.

Also present were Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Secretary-General and Nominated MP Sheikh Mohammad Dor, Al-Hajj Yusuf Murigu from the National Muslim Leaders Forum and Chief Kadhi Sheikh Hammad Kassim Al-Mazrui. Also presents were MPs Hassan Ali Joho (Kisauni), Shabir Shakeel (Kisumu Town East) and some former North Eastern MPs. The leaders appealed for calm and sobriety, saying they were concerned by remarks from some leaders out to cause anxiety, bordering on incitement. Currently, the Muslim leaders are looking at the Draft and are concerned about how it will better the lives of Kenyans, and how it will contribute to national togetherness, justice and equity.

In Mombasa, Muslim leaders appealed to Coast MPs and their Rift Valley counterparts to support the Proposed Constitution, despite failing to defend the majimbo clause in Parliament. Under the Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council (Kemnac), the clerics also pleaded with the Church leaders not to shoot down the draft on grounds it includes the Kadhi courts. KEMNAC Chairman Sheikh Juma Ngao said in the absence of majimbo (Federal), the counties contained in the document could also ensure devolution of resources. He also urged all the pro-majimbo MPs to rally behind the proposed law and ensure its passage at the referendum. They should not use removal of the majimbo clause to shoot down the draft.

The leaders endorsed the Proposed Constitution, saying it addresses the problem of a bloated Cabinet and ensures the President cannot appoint top public servants without Parliament’s approval. The Proposed Constitution also addresses the problem of landlords keeping land idle and this may make it accessible to majority of Kenyans.