Muslim Leaders Call for Peace, Unity and School Fire Investigations as Islamic New Year 1448 AH Begins
They expressed optimism that the Islamic New Year 1448 AH will usher in stability, peace, and prosperity for Kenya.
Religious leaders led by Sheikh Abubakar Bini, Rajab Kipkorir Salah, and Azizi Ndamwe Wakoli address the media after a special prayer session for the nation. The leaders called for national unity and urged stakeholders to take decisive action in addressing the challenges facing Kenya.
By Yamara Sandra
Muslim leaders have called for peace, national unity, prayers for sufficient rainfall, and urgent measures to address the rising cases of school fires across Kenya as they marked the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1448 AH on June 17, 2026.
The leaders made the appeal during a special prayer gathering attended by Muslim faithful at Asis Hotel in Uasin Gishu County. They encouraged Kenyans to seek both spiritual guidance and practical solutions to the challenges facing the country.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Abubakar Bin said Kenya is experiencing difficult times and requires God’s guidance and collective efforts to overcome its challenges.
“The rains we have received are a blessing from God, and we must continue praying while also working together to solve our problems,” he said.
Abubakar also expressed concern over the increasing number of school fire incidents reported across the country. According to education reports, several schools have experienced fire outbreaks in recent years, resulting in property damage and disruptions to learning.
“We need deeper investigations to establish why one fire incident is often followed by similar cases in other schools,” he said.
Sheikh Abdikadir of Jamii Mosque emphasized the importance of prayer, moral leadership, and the role of religious institutions in shaping responsible behavior among young people.
“Religious institutions have a role in guiding young people and promoting discipline in schools,” he said.
He further urged authorities to respect places of worship during public demonstrations.
Rajab Kipkorir Salah of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) called on leaders to uphold justice, accountability, and national cohesion.
“Political differences should not divide citizens. Leaders must work together for peace and development,” he said.
Retired teacher Azizi Ndamwe Wakoli attributed some of the disciplinary challenges in schools to inadequate parental guidance. He called for stronger collaboration between schools, parents, and law enforcement agencies to address emerging concerns.
The leaders concluded the gathering with prayers for adequate rainfall, peaceful learning institutions, wise leadership, and greater national unity. They expressed optimism that the Islamic New Year 1448 AH will usher in stability, peace, and prosperity for Kenya.
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