Should the committee opt for mediation, it could privately engage SUPKEM officials, Muslim leaders, and stakeholders to seek an amicable resolution — or proceed to a formal inquiry if necessary.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula during a plenary sitting on April 24, 2025. Image: Courtesy of Capital FM.
The National Assembly has referred to its powerful Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) a petition filed by Jamal Diriwo Omari, a Muslim resident of Uasin Gishu County, seeking a parliamentary probe into the leadership wrangles within the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).
In a letter dated August 21, 2025, Omari petitioned Parliament to investigate what he described as “gross incompetence, lack of transparency, and violation of the SUPKEM Constitution” under the current leadership of Al-Hajj Hassan Ole Naado, the organisation’s national chairman.
The petition, received by the Clerk of the National Assembly and formally referred to JLAC earlier this month, cites multiple constitutional and legal provisions, including Articles 50, 47, 27, 32, 35, 144, and Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.
“The current leadership has lost the confidence of Kenyan Muslims. SUPKEM has failed in its duty to serve as the umbrella body for all Muslim organisations in Kenya,” Omari stated in his petition.
He added, “We are calling for a full audit of 20 years of accounts, bank statements, balance sheets, and waqf properties to restore transparency and accountability.”
Petition Seeks Removal of Leadership
Omari’s petition accuses the current National Executive Committee of mismanagement and calls for its immediate resignation or removal. He also proposes the formation of an interim committee of respected Islamic scholars to oversee SUPKEM’s affairs for 90 days and organise fresh elections.
The petitioner further alleges that the council’s top leadership has contravened Islamic teachings on integrity and justice, referencing verses from the Holy Qur’an condemning corruption and misuse of public property.
“Leadership in Islam demands honesty, fairness, and service to the community. When this trust is broken, it is the duty of believers to demand accountability,” he argued.
Parliament’s Response
In a communication signed by Jeremiah Ndombi on behalf of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Parliament confirmed receipt of the petition and its referral to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
The letter explained that while the petition was properly filed under the Petitions to Parliament (Procedure) Act, Cap 7E, the National Assembly’s jurisdiction is limited by Articles 8, 32, and 36 of the Constitution, which restrict state interference in the internal affairs of religious organisations.
However, the correspondence also noted that JLAC may, at its discretion, explore avenues for mediation and conciliation away from public scrutiny and formal court processes, or any other measure it may deem appropriate in resolving the matter.
“Parliament will act strictly within the confines of the law, and matters touching on internal governance of faith-based bodies must respect the principle of religious freedom,” the letter stated in part.
Jamal Diriwo Omari, the petitioner, addresses the media in Eldoret during a past event. Photo: Hubzmedia
Years of Wrangles at SUPKEM
SUPKEM, established in 1973 as the umbrella body representing Muslims in Kenya, has in recent years been rocked by persistent leadership disputes.
The feud between factions led by Ambassador Yusuf Nzibo and Hassan Ole Naado dates back several years, with court battles and rival conferences deepening divisions within the organisation.
In a February 2024 High Court ruling, the court nullified letters by the Registrar of Societies that had recognised the 2017 SUPKEM officials as the legitimate leadership, terming the move ultra vires.
Further tensions erupted in August 2025 when the Garissa County Security Committee shut down the Quba Islamic Centre, citing security concerns amid escalating factional disputes. Around the same time, travel agents sued SUPKEM for alleged arbitrary blacklisting in the management of Hajj operations.
“The wrangles have tarnished the image of a once-respected institution,” said a Nairobi-based Islamic scholar who requested anonymity. “SUPKEM needs to return to its founding values of unity and service to the Muslim ummah.”
With the petition now before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, lawmakers are expected to review its admissibility and determine the next steps. Should the committee opt for mediation, it could privately engage SUPKEM officials, Muslim leaders, and stakeholders to seek an amicable resolution — or proceed to a formal inquiry if necessary.
For now, Muslim leaders across the country are watching closely. Many hope the parliamentary process will pave the way for reforms, transparency, and renewed unity within one of Kenya’s most influential religious institutions.
Eldoret Media Hub, a working space for journalists based in Uasin Gishu County set up by the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association (UGJA) through a Media Council of Kenya (MCK) grant.
The facility was officially opened in August 2021 by the MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo.
