Muslim leaders decry slow pace of reforms

Muslim clerics have warned that delay in implementing constitutional reforms may affect the country's stability.

The clerics expressed their disappointment in what they term as lack of commitment by the government to unite the country before the next elections.

“It is unfortunate that some of issues that triggered the 2007/08 post-election chaos have been not amicably resolved.

“Civic education has not been done and failure to educate in advance Kenyans on new voting system is a recipe to chaos.

“They need to be informed on the role of MPs, governors, senators among others and how to elect them under the new structure,” Prof Abdulghafur El-Busaidy, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) chairman said in Mombasa on Sunday.

Nominated Member of Parliament, Sheikh Mohammed Dor said they would support government efforts in ensuring peace and harmony in the country.

“As Muslims leaders we have resolved to work with fellow citizens and the government to enhance peaceful co-existence among Kenyans," Sheikh Dor added.

The clerics also called on the government to hire more police officers, equip them and purchase more patrol vehicles to help them effectively deal with insecurity.

“Peace is attained both on the contribution of citizens and government and not behind door workshops. Every citizen should be treated equally irrespective of his race and religion,” Sheikh Dor said.