The Star (Nairobi)

Kenya: No Demos Here, Malindi Muslim Clerics Tell Youth

Photo: Norbert Allen/The Star
Police officer patrolling along Majengo area near Masjid Musa mosque: Muslim youths are protesting the killing of Muslim Cleric Aboud Rogo at Bamburi.

Muslim clerics in Malindi have vowed not to allow youth demonstrations over the killing of sheikh Aboud Rogo on Monday. Led by the Malindi Supreme Council chair Sheik Salim Omar Dima said although peaceful demonstrations are constitutional right, a few individuals can exploit the protest for their self-interest and cause chaos.

Dima said the clerics will ensure that Malindi is peaceful, adding that if the youth are allowed to hold a peaceful protest, they can easily be manipulated into violence. "If demonstrations are done, let them remain peaceful as stipulated in the constitution. In Malindi, we haven't planned any because we have already lost many lives and will not want to risk anything," he said.

The cleric called on all Muslims to maintain peace. Dima also condemned violent attacks by the Muslim youths in Mombasa saying they are against the Islamic teachings. He called for the arrest of the rioters to ensure peace and harmony in the town. "The chaos in Mombasa are against the Muslim teachings and we will not allow this. Those who are involved do not understand the Quran. They should be arrested to avoid further attacks on innocent people. We do not advocate for bloodshed, destruction of holy places and property," said Dima.

He said there is no enmity between Muslims and Christians. "It is a very bad show for these youths to attack Christians and churches. Let the youth calm down and allow the government to investigate this issue transparently instead of killing innocent people," he said.

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