Muslim MPs back Mutunga

Lawyer Willy Mutunga appears before the Judiciary Service Commission during the vetting of applicants shortlisted for the position of Chief Justice on May 4,2011. He and Nancy Baraza were on May 13, 2011 nominated for the positions of CJ and Deputy CJ respectively. Photo/HEZRON NJOROGE

Muslim MPs have thrown their weight behind the appointment of Dr Willy Mutunga as the new Chief Justice but say they will talk to him about his controversial earring.

The Muslim MPs parliamentary group said they knew Dr Mutunga as a Muslim and will back him.

However, they said Islam does not allow male believers to put on ornaments worn by women, saying this was an insult to the religion.

“We will sit down with him and convince him not to wear the stud because Muslims don’t allow men to wear such things,” said Nominated MP Sheikh Mohammed Dor, who chairs the Muslim MPs parliamentary group.

“Anyone who puts on such feminine ornaments is cursed,” he said.

Livestock Development assistant minister Mr Aden Duale said Islam was bigger than the Constitution and its teachings must be respected.

“The position of Islam on studs is very clear and it doesn’t allow men to dress like women,” he stated.

Supporting his nomination, however, the MPs said he was the right nominee for the position.