Muslim leader angered over closure of mosques

A group of Muslim leaders, civil societies and politicians have called for unconditional and immediately removal of police siege placed around four mosques in Mvita and Kisauni sub-counties of Mombasa County.

They warned the government that it is counterproductive to close Masjid Musa, Sakina, Swafaa and Minaa and violation of the constitutional right to freedom of worship.

They argued that the government should deal with underling issues including problem of radicalization, violent gangs terrorizing residents, drug abuse among other social problems.

The sentiments were delivered by Supreme Council of Kenya Muslim (SUPKEM), Haki Africa and Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) organizations, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir and his Kisauni counterpart Rashid Benzimba.

 Supkem National chairman Prof Abdulghaful El-Busaidy said he did not expect security officers to raid the four mosques clad in their full regalia including boots.

He observed that such action is not only igniting emotions of the entire Muslims community but working in the favour of those with extreme religious views.

The leaders further argued that the raid at the four mosques and their subsequent closure is detrimental to peace and harmony among Kenyans and urged the government to stop raising unnecessary animosity and tension in the coast.

Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, Mr Nassir and Mr Benzimba said Muslims and political leaders in Mombasa are ready to work with the government deal with insecurity caused by radical youths and violent gangs in estates.

But on the same breath, they asked the government to stop its counterproductive tactics to escalate issues and unconditional open Masjid Musa, Sakina, Swafaa and Minaa.