North Rift Muslim Leaders Urge Unity and Adherence to Chief Kadhi’s Guidance Amid Eid Celebrations Disparity
“This is about unity, respect, and upholding the integrity of our faith. Our leaders must recognize and support the Chief Kadhi’s guidance as binding,” Jamal Diriwo
Jamal Diriwo one of the Muslim leaders Addressing the Media at Masjid Nur Eldoret
Muslim leaders in the North Rift region have called for greater respect and adherence to the guidance of the Chief Kadhi, emphasizing his constitutional role in overseeing Islamic legal matters in Kenya.
Speaking during Eid prayers at Masjid Nur in Eldoret, Muslim youth leader Jamal Diriwo urged Islamic organizations and religious leaders to unite under the Chief Kadhi’s authority to prevent divisions within the Muslim community.
“The Chief Kadhi’s office is the only legally recognized Islamic judicial authority in Kenya, established through the Lancaster Agreement. It deserves the highest level of respect from both the government and Muslim leaders,” Diriwo stated.
He appealed to key Muslim organizations, including the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF), the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), and the Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council (KEMNACK), as well as imams from all Jamia mosques, to align their decisions with the Chief Kadhi’s guidance.
“There should be no contradictions among us as Muslims. Disregarding the authority of the Chief Kadhi only creates unnecessary disputes that tarnish our unity and reputation,” he added.
The Chief Kadhi has a critical role in maintaining the integrity of Islamic jurisprudence within the Kenyan legal system. The current Chief Kadhi of Kenya is Sheikh Athman Abdulhalim Hussein, who was appointed by the Judicial Service Commission, succeeding Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar. The Chief Kadhi is based in Mombasa and oversees the administration of Islamic law in the country.
Diriwo proposed the formation of a special committee comprising Islamic leaders to reinforce unity and ensure compliance with the Chief Kadhi’s guidance.
“Muslims in Kenya must speak with one voice. Strengthening the authority of the Chief Kadhi will foster unity and uphold Islamic legal principles,” he emphasized.
SUPKEM, founded in 1973, serves as the umbrella body for Muslim organizations in Kenya and advocates for the community’s interests. CIPK, a non-profit organization established in 1997, unites imams and preachers to address issues affecting Muslims and society at large.
Diriwo reaffirmed that empowering the Chief Kadhi would promote cohesion and ensure that all Muslims adhere to a single, authoritative legal framework.
“This is about unity, respect, and upholding the integrity of our faith. Our leaders must recognize and support the Chief Kadhi’s guidance as binding,” he concluded.
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