Why Kemnac wants Ruto to disband Muslim fund commission panel
Kemnac officials (L-R) Vice Chair Sheikh Abubakar Amin, Chairperson Sheikh Juma Ngao and Sheikh Amiri Zani.
Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council (Kemnac) has urged President William Ruto to disband the five-member selection panel appointed to nominate candidates for the Muslim Endowment Fund (Waqf) Commission.
Kemnac chairman, Sheikh Juma Ngao, on Monday criticised the panel appointed by Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, arguing that it is unsuitable for the task.
He expressed concerns that the panel members, drawn from the Imams Council, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), and the National Muslim Leaders Forum (Namlef), had previously opposed the reforms and taken legal action against them.
“We are wondering how the very people who went to court to sue us because they were opposed to the reforms are today the ones forming the panel to select commissioners. These are just troublemakers,” he said.
He noted that he had served as a Waqf commissioner for six years and played a key role, alongside six others, in drafting the new Waqf Act, warning that the selected panel might prioritise personal interests over the broader Islamic agenda and use their influence to sway the appointment to the commission.
“They could undermine the progress we have made. Their appointments may not align with the core Islamic agenda. I know them well—that is how they operate,” he said.
Sheikh Ngao urged the President to intervene by dissolving the panel and appointing neutral individuals to ensure an effective and unbiased commission.
“We request the dissolution of this panel. The new members should not be affiliated with any particular group to prevent bias. We need a commission that serves Muslims without tribal, racial, or personal interests. This is what has plagued Waqf for the past hundred years,” he said.
He cautioned that failure to address these concerns would allow mismanagement and sectarian interests to persist within the Waqf system, which has faced challenges for decades.
“Mr President, this panel should be dissolved. It is not fit for the job,” he concluded.
The Waqf Commission oversees and manages Muslim endowment properties, ensuring their proper administration and benefit to the Muslim community.
A gazette notice dated 28 March 2025 listed the appointed panel members: Jawahir Keinan Hassan, Al-Hajji Hassan Kirua ole Naado, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome Asmani, Sheikh Abdala Ibrahim Ateka, and Sumayya Hassan.
Their appointment, made under Section 7(1) of the Waqf Act, revoked a 2023 gazette notice and is expected to accelerate the long-delayed implementation of the Waqf Act, 2022.
Sheikh Ngao made these remarks on Monday during Eid prayers at the Ronald Ngala grounds in Mombasa.
Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein led hundreds of worshippers in Eid-al-Fitr prayers at the same venue to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
On Sunday, Chief Kadhi officially declared the end of Ramadhan after the crescent moon was sighted locally.
“Monday, March 31, 2025, shall be the first day of Shawwal. We congratulate Muslims for successfully completing the month of fasting,” he announced on Sunday.
Leaders who joined Chief Kadhi in prayers at Ronald Ngala ground called for security agencies to ensure security during and after the Eid celebrations
Sheikh Ngao condemned the rise in youth crime, particularly incidents involving young boys carrying machetes and terrorising residents.
He called on parents to ensure their children attend school and urged authorities to take strict action against those engaging in criminal activities.
“Children must go to school. We do not support youth engaging in crime. Authorities should take firm action against those found involved,” he stated.
Unemployment excuse
Mombasa Governor Abdulwamad Nassir, who attended the prayers, emphasised education as a solution to youth crime. He urged young people to pursue both formal and religious education, arguing that unemployment is not an excuse for criminal behaviour.
“A juvenile aged between 14 and 19 cannot blame unemployment for engaging in crime. As the Imam said, juvenile must be in school,” he noted.
Other leaders, including Mvita MP Mohamed Machele, called for Muslim unity and encouraged the wealthy to assist the less fortunate during the celebrations.
At Masjid Ummul Kulthum in Kizingo, Islam Mohamed Salim, who led prayers, urged Muslims to celebrate Eid within the boundaries of Islamic teachings. He emphasised the importance of helping the needy and cautioned against engaging in immoral activities during the festivities.
“As Muslims, our joy should be within the boundaries set by Islamic law. We should also remember the less fortunate and assist them in any way we can,” he said.
ODM Mombasa Chairman Mohammed Khamis commended the government for ensuring security during Ramadan and Eid celebrations. He attributed the prevailing peace and stability to cooperation between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
“Because of this broad-based government, we enjoy peace and stability. We thank the President and Mr Odinga for working together to maintain harmony during Ramadan,” he said.
The Eid celebrations were marked by calls for unity, charity, and adherence to Islamic values. Leaders stressed the importance of supporting the vulnerable and maintaining peace in the country.
During the month of Ramadhan, Muslims around the globe observe a strict fast between dawn and dusk and participate in pious activities such as Koran recitation, prayers, and charitable giving. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal
Eid celebrations bring families and friends together, with Muslims wearing new clothes, giving charity, and decorating their homes to mark the occasion.