Joho, Marwa talk tough as three mosques reopened

Three out of four controversial mosques which were closed down by police were re-opened Thursday but Mombasa county leaders talked tough against indiscipline and extremism among youth from the region.

However, the father of a gang attack suspect, who was picked to head the Masjid Musa committee, warned that no prayers would be held at the mosque without the express permission from his team.

“Those who strongly believe in Jihad should come and let us dialogue. We are ready to talk to you, come let’s find solutions to whatever is bedevilling us,” said Governor Hassan Joho outside Masjid Musa shortly after it was re-opened.

He said elected leaders from the county would create time to engage with those who have divergent views.

County Commissioner Nelson Marwa said those using places of worship to cause turmoil among the region would be dealt with accordingly.

“The government is going to deal with you individually; we are going to act on that, hope we are clear on that,” he warned during a joint news briefing at the mosque.

Mr Joho urged Muslims not to fight other faiths. The mosques which were reopened were Musa, Sakina and Swafaa. Mr Marwa announced that Masjid Minaa would remain closed until the community forms a committee to manage it.
He urged the youth to respect the mosque as a place of worship.

“The mosque is the house of God and not a gym or a place for tours. It is meant for prayers,” the governor said.

He promised to work to refurbish the mosque and, together with the area MP Abdulswamad Nassir, ensure sufficient water supply and restore the mosque as a place of worship.

Mr Marwa asked leaders to take up a greater role in matters of security. He called on political leaders and Islamic organisations like the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya and the Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council, Muslim scholars and others to be proactive and not only intervene in times of crisis.

“All leaders must take up a roll in security. If you are a leader without responsibility, you have no need being one. Put your best foot forward for this county and country. Aleader must have responsibilities which are beneficial to the members of the public that he leads,” he said.

He asked security officers to act fast on information given to them by the public to improve security.

“Don’t dismiss any information. Security is about information. We should act on it as fast as possible. Take it seriously and ensure that action is taken,” he insisted.

RIGHT PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM

He urged religious leaders to use local radio stations to educate the public on the right principles of Islam.

The County Commissioner also thanked the county leadership and religious leaders for reaching an agreement ahead of the reopening of the mosques.

“We have very many mosques in this county; Likoni has 73, Kisauni 86, Mombasa 69 and Changamwe 48 but we have only had an issue with four,” he said.

“Starting today, we have agreed that peace prevails in these mosques and that they will be opened apart from Minaa in Kisauni which will be open later and the leaders heading them should make it their responsibility.”

While speaking outside the mosque in Majengo before the Dhuhr prayers, the county commissioner also said residents and visitors that Mombasa would have round-the-clock security.

“We want to assure you we will provide security for the mosque, areas of Majengo and Mombasa County as a whole. You should not doubt the government. The government has no intention of taking over the mosques or any place of worship. All we want is to restore order and peace,” he said.

Mr Nassir urged Muslims to coexist peacefully with other residents in Majengo and asked the community to take charge of the mosque by ensuring that the right teachings take place.

“We need to ensure that there is peace and prosperity prevails in this city and that after this, the security organs will create room for prayers to continue with normally,” he said.

The mosque was reopened amid tight security as officers from the regular, Administration Police and GSU stood guard.