Demands to clear air over Rogo death
PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | FILE A van that was set on fire on August 27, 2013 in the aftermath of the death of Sheikh Rogo.
What you need to know:
- Sheikh Mohammed Khalif of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya appealed for peace in the country
- President Kenyatta on Tuesday urged Muslims to offer special prayers for peace, harmony, unity, security and progress as they celebrate this year’s Idd-ul Adha
Thousands of Muslims on Tuesday marked Idd-ul-Adha prayers with a call to the government to respond to claims that it masterminded the recent killings of those linked to terrorism.
Sheikh Abu Qatada argued that the government had a responsibility to unravel the mystery surrounding the killing of Sheikh Ibrahim Ismail alias Rogo and his three colleagues and of similar killings the past. (READ: Police deny killing Muslim preacher)
“It is unconstitutional for anyone suspected to be involved in criminal activities to die in such manner,” he said.
The Mombasa-based activist said both the Westgate Mall massacre and the killing of Sheikh Ibrahim and his friends were unjustified.
He said that the extra-judicial killings involving Muslim clerics linked to terror, if not properly handled, could degenerate into a religious conflict. (READ: MOMBASA: 4 Killed Aboud Rogo style)
“In addition to that, we call for the return of our six Kenyan brothers being held in Uganda so that they can be prosecuted locally,” Sheikh Qatada said in Mombasa.
APPEALED FOR PEACE
Separately, Sheikh Mohammed Khalif of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya appealed for peace in the country, adding that killing of innocent people amounted to destruction of the entire humanity.
“We are all here today for Idd-ul Adha to remember how Allah averted spilling of human blood by ordering his angel Jibril to take to Prophet Ibrahim a sheep from paradise to save Prophet Ismail from being sacrificed,” the sheikh said at Tononoka grounds in Mombasa, where the prayers were held.
Several goats were slaughtered to observe the selfless sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.
President Kenyatta on Tuesday urged Muslims to offer special prayers for peace, harmony, unity, security and progress as they celebrate this year’s Idd-ul Adha, according to the presidential communication unit.
In his goodwill message to all Muslims, the President said that Kenyans should proactively take action including exposing evil-minded characters in their midst to ensure peace and stability.
“Through peace, hope, unity and harmonious coexistence, our country will also overcome the challenges of development to build a prosperous nation,” the President said.
Reported by GALGALO BOCHA and ABDULRAHMAN SHERIFF.
