Muslim cleric shot dead in dawn attack

The family of Sheikh Mohamed Idris, who was shot dead outside his house in Mombasa yesterday as he headed for morning prayers, has declared him a martyr.

The moderate cleric, who was also chairman of the Council of Islamic Preachers of Kenya, was gunned down as he left his home in Manyatta, Likoni, to attend prayers in the company of Mr Mohamed Said, who routinely accompanied him every morning.

Sheikh Idris had, in the past, warned that his life was in danger because of his moderate religious views and his stance against the radicalisation of youth by  extremists.

He has been an Imam for close to 35 years at the Sakina Mosque, which has been taken over by radicalised Muslim youth. His brother, Mr Ali Idris, said the family declared him a ‘Shaheed’ because he died on his way to the mosque.

FIGHTING RADICALS

“We will not question why he died, cause havoc or any form of disturbance because we know he died a ‘Shaheed”; only Allah knows who killed him and as a family, we leave them in His hands. They shot him and left him lifeless, but we know those who live by the bullet, die by the bullet,” Mr Ali said.

At the Pandya Memorial Hospital, Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa told reporters that Sheikh Idris was shot in the abdomen and was dead on arrival at the hospital.

“We have started investigations; we already have an operation going on for the culprits and it will not stop until they are brought to book,” he said, and urged religious leaders to give the government time to carry out investigations.

President Kenyatta has mourned the fallen Sheikh, describing him as a committed religious leader, who stood for what was good for the country.

In his condolences, Mr Kenyatta said the Government would do all it can to bring the killers to book.

“In this hour of sorrow, and on behalf of the people and Government of Kenya, I convey my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Muslim Community, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, the  family and friends of the late Sheikh Idris,” Mr Kenyatta said. 

“Sheikh Idris was at the forefront in the fight against the radicalisation of the youth and therefore his death is a big blow to the country’s efforts to stop religious extremism,” the President said.

Addressing journalists on arrival at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa yesterday, Cord leader Raila Odinga said that the security situation in country was in a bad state.

“Sheikh Idris is among 21 clerics who have mysteriously been killed in this country without anyone being apprehended. Who is responsible for these killings?” he asked.

He said there was something amiss in the security team within the country and that unless the gap is sealed, the country risks even greater devastation.

“We cannot wait for five years to sort this mess... These are just signs of what may befall our country if no drastic measures are taken. Kenyans must be told what is wrong. This is why I called for national dialogue with the government,” Mr Odinga said.

The Cabinet Secretary for the Interior, Mr Joseph ole Lenku, also sent his condolences to the family of the cleric.

RECONCILIATION

“Sheikh Idris played a key role in peace and reconciliation initiatives among various communities and religious groups in the Coast region,” he said.

Consoling the family, he said “thorough investigations are already under way to ensure that the killers are brought to book.”

Mr Mohamed Said, while recounting his last moments with Sheikh Idris, said the Sheikh was getting ready to leave the house. He opened the first gate, but injured his finger in the process.

“I helped him open and he proceeded to the second gate as I closed the first one. He walked out of the gate and as I was closing the first gate I heard the shots,” Mr Said said, adding, Mr Idris fell on the ground as gunshots rang.

“As I turned I found the Sheikh on the ground. I could not lift him so I got back to the house and called his wife to help me carry him. The wife came and collapsed on seeing her husband on the ground,” he said.

By the time he and other well-wishers took him to hospital in a tuk tuk, the Sheikh was still alive and occasionally chanted a prayer.

He and the Sheikh’s son, Mr Hassan Mohammed Idris, later reported at the Likoni Police Station as other people took the sheikh across the Likoni Channel to Pandya Memorial Hospital.

“I last saw him at the ferry but the others who accompanied him told me he was pronounced dead on arrival in hospital,” Mr Said said.

Former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmad Muhdhar consoled the family and the Muslim fraternity, saying, Sheikh Idris was known as a man who promoted unity and harmony among the faithful.

He supported and fostered peace and his death was “a great loss to the Muslim community,” he said and appealed for calm.  

The British High Commissioner and the US ambassador in Nairobi also condemned the killing.

“We offer our condolences for the tragic loss of a respected leader and teacher. Our thoughts are with the Muslim and Coastal peoples at this time,” a statement from the British High Commissioner, Dr Christian Turner, said.

DEEPEST SYMPATHIES

“We echo calls for calm and restraint emanating from local community leaders at the Coast, and encourage continued dialogue between all communities,” he added.

Mr Robert F. Godec, the US envoy, asked the government to investigate the killing and bring those responsible to book.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sheikh Idris. We call for calm and restraint on the Coast, and underscore the need to prevent any possible spread of violence,” he said.

The cleric was buried yesterday at the Kikowani cemetery after prayers at Sakina Mosque.

MORE INFO

He is a martyr, declares family 

Shaheed is Arabic for “witness” and is also used to denote a “martyr.”

It is used as an honorific for Muslims who have laid down their life fulfilling a religious commandment, or have died fighting defending their faith or family.

The UK and US envoys in Nairobi have condemned the killing of Sheikh Idris. They joined President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila Odinga who also sent their condolences.

Various leaders have called for calm and speedy investigations into the killing.