Nairobi — The chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, Sheikh Ali Shee, said yesterday those converted included national co-ordinator Ibrahim Ndura Waruinge and founder-member Mohammed Njenga.

Others were provincial co-ordinators Hassan Waithaka Wagacha (Central), Mohamed Kamau Mwathi (Nairobi), Hussein Kimani Ruo (Rift Valley) and Khadija Wangari (women's leader).

Addressing a press conference at Mombasa's Sakina Mosque, Sheikh Shee said his council had now accepted them as Muslims. There were chants of "Taqbir, Allah Akbar" when the announcement was made.

The Mungiki leaders, who wore Kanzu and white caps, thanked Muslims for accepting them. They said the harassment of Mungiki members would now be seen as an insult to Muslims.

They appealed for financial and moral support to spread the religion and create a "nation guided by the Sharia".