Nairobi — Thirty Muslim MPs, including six Cabinet ministers, have promised to work as a team in Parliament irrespective of their political affiliations.

The MPs felt that their presence in the Tenth Parliament was more important than political parties.

"Muslims have been neglected for a very long time," Tourism minister, Mr Najib Balala said. Balala added that they got a better deal as far as Cabinet appointments were concerned.

Six Muslims have full Cabinet positions in the Coalition Government.

The Muslims made the pledge to unite during a dinner at the Grand Regency Hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday night.

Livestock Development minister, Dr Mohamed Kuti, Development of Northern Kenya and Arid Lands minister, Mr Ibrahim Mohamed and Special Programmes minister, Ms Naomi Shaaban attended.

Others present were Assistant ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Ambassadors, Chief Kadhi, Sheikh Hammad Kassim, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims chairman, Prof Abdulghafur Abu-Said, Supkem Organising Secretary, Sheikh Shariff Hussein among others.

Balala said the issue of the Muslims being held in Somalia and Ethiopia over terrorism allegations was being looked into.