Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho was at the weekend installed as Muslim political leader.
Muslims never had such position but the governors and MPs at the Mombasa BBI forum said it was important to create it for them to use it in political bargains.
“This is not a religious position. It’s a political seat that will help Muslims to chart their political course. Any politician who wants to discuss political issues will now have to go through Joho,” Garissa Governor Ali Korane said.
Kenya has about 5.2 million Muslims. Muslims who have, over the years complained of marginalisation, dominate the coast and northern regions.
The other Muslim governors were Wajir’s Muhammad Abdi, Tana River’s Dhadho Godhana, Mandera’s Ali Roba, Isiolo’s Mohammed Kuti and Lamu’s Fahim Twaha.
The endorsement was made moments before the BBI rally on Saturday at Mama Ngina Drive.
"We are seeking to change the way Muslims have been treated. We believe our decision to have a political leader will be beneficial to the community,” Governor Muhamoud said.
Joho told his colleagues that he would ensure Muslims are treated like all other Kenyans.
“We do not want to be discriminated (against). We are Kenyans by right and we enjoy the same constitutional rights like all other Kenyans,” he said.
In 2016 Muslim leaders announced that they would back Joho for President in 2022.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said then “Joho was the undisputed Muslim leader and has shown the leadership, determination and courage to snatch the most coveted seat.
“Joho will become the Malcolm X or Martin Luther King Junior in championing the rights of Muslims," he said.
Malcolm X was the African-American leader and prominent figure in the Nation of Islam who articulated the concepts of race pride and Black nationalism in the 1950s and ’60s.
Martin Luther King Jnr was one of the 20th century’s best-known advocates for non-violent social change.
Joho is a fervent supporter of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
