The National Social Security Fund has defended itself against accusations that it is going against the Islamic faith.
The Council of Imams and Preachers in Kenya last week said NSSF’s investment in Kenya Breweries and British American Tobacco is against their religion as alcohol and cigarettes are considered 'sinful' in the Islamic faith.
NSSF public relations and communications manager Christopher Kisa said the parastatal operates within the law. He said it is constitutionally mandated to invest taxpayers prudently.
Kisa said the parastatal will face a lot of law suits on grounds of discrimination if it fails to invest in a firm that makes good profits.
“Kenya Breweries is the second largest tax payer in the country after Safaricom. The constitution expects us to invest without discrimination. You cannot fail to invest in such a company because some people will be unhappy,” said Kisa.
Addressing a press conference at their offices last week, the clerics threatened to mobilise Muslims across the country to stop paying taxes.
The Islamic faith forbids the faithful from engaging in any way in activities deemed to be haram. These include alcohol, cigarettes, eating pork, among other things.
CIPK organising secretary Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa said there should have been consultations with representatives of the Muslim community before any such move is made.
“In as much as this is a secular state, Muslims form a significant percentage of the population,” said Sheikh Khalifa. Kisa said Kenya is not a religious state and that not all decisions should have input from the different religions in the country.
