Kenyan Muslim clerics lament ‘state sponsored’ religious discrimination

The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya has decried what it termed religious discrimination by the President William Ruto’s administration. The council’s Nairobi chapter accused the state of favouring churches and excluding other religious groupings, despite the legal position that Kenya is a secular state. President Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who publicly […]

The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya has decried what it termed religious discrimination by the President William Ruto’s administration.

The council’s Nairobi chapter accused the state of favouring churches and excluding other religious groupings, despite the legal position that Kenya is a secular state.

President Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who publicly linked their victory in August last year’s election to God, have been holding weekly prayers christened interdenominational thanksgiving service.

The head of state is, however, yet to hold similar prayer services with Muslims or any other religious faith.

The council’s coordinator, Salim Charo, on Thursday sought Kenyan opposition leader, Raila Odinga’s intervention, saying the move amounts to discrimination and exalts some religions higher than others.

“We encourage Kenyans to continue to co-exist and resist attempts by a section of our leaders to divide us along ethnic and religious lines and continue living together as brothers and sisters united in worship of one God regardless of our faiths, ethnic background or regions of origin,” Charo said.

The opposition chief, Raila Odinga, castigated Ruto for favouring a section of Christian churches and discriminating against other religious groups.

He said Ruto should respect all religions and accord each similar treatment without appearing to favour only a few.

He said the president is fuelling religious discrimination with his weekly prayer meetings with just a section of Pentecostal churches.

“Kenya despite having majority Christians also has Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and even traditional faith groups. Kenya is a secular state, and as a leader you must recognise all religious groups,” Raila said. (Kenyan Star)