The Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council (KEMNAC) national chairperson, Sheikh Juma Ngao, has urged President William Ruto to revoke the entire selection panel of the Muslim Endowment Fund (Waqf) Commission. The panel was recently appointed by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor.
Speaking to the press on Monday, Sheikh Ngao strongly criticized the selection, claiming that the five-member panel consists of individuals with questionable integrity.
He warned that their appointment could negatively impact the credibility and effectiveness of the commission.
According to Ngao, the appointed members—Jawahir Keinan Hassan, Al-Hajji Hassan Kirua ole Naado, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome Asmani, Sheikh Abdala Ibrahim Ateka, and Sumayya Hassan—are not the right people to oversee the shortlisting of commissioners for the Waqf Fund.
“These individuals have a history that raises serious concerns about their ethical standing. I fear they will use their positions to push personal interests by appointing their friends and relatives instead of focusing on the welfare of Muslims,” Ngao stated.
He further argued that the selection panel might prioritize tribal affiliations and racial backgrounds over Islamic values when choosing commissioners.
He called on President Ruto to intervene and appoint a panel that genuinely represents the interests of the Muslim community.
“If we allow this panel to proceed with its work, then the same problems that have plagued the Muslim community for over a century will persist,” Ngao warned.
“We need people who are neutral, without political party ties, tribal bias, or racial favoritism. The Waqf Commission should serve all Muslims without discrimination.”
The controversy surrounding the Waqf Commission’s composition has caused internal conflicts within the government.
President Ruto has previously clashed with former Public Service Cabinet Secretary and Attorney General Justin Muturi over the matter.
The recent push to finalize the panel appointments followed public criticism from President Ruto, who accused Muturi of mishandling Waqf affairs.
During an Iftar dinner at State House, Nairobi, last week, the President openly called Muturi “incompetent” and blamed him for delays in setting up the selection panel.
“I had a serious challenge with the previous Attorney General because he was quite incompetent. But now, we have a highly capable lady in office, and I can assure you that the Waqf issues will be resolved in a few months,” Ruto stated.
Following the President’s remarks, the Attorney General swiftly gazetted the new selection panel within two days.
However, Muturi has defended his tenure, stating that the law does not provide for a “Muslim Endowment Fund” as claimed by the government.
“The Waqf Act No. 8 of 2022 does not mention the establishment of a Muslim Endowment Fund,” Muturi clarified. “Waqf is a personal initiative by any Muslim who wishes to dedicate property for religious, charitable, or benevolent purposes. It is managed by the Waqf Commission, as outlined in the law.”
The dispute over the Waqf Commission remains unresolved, with growing pressure on the President to reconsider the selection panel’s composition.
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