• Council’s National Chairman Al-Hajj Hassan ole Naado said the current heightened political intolerance being witnessed could trigger chaos.
• He said the clergy should play a big role in advising the people on the need to unite and have a peaceful transition period.
Image: KIPLANG'AT KIRUI
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has told religious leaders from across the country to help Kenyans in ensuring this year's general election will be peaceful.
Council’s National Chairman Al-Hajj Hassan ole Naado said the current heightened political intolerance being witnessed could trigger chaos and the clergy should play a big role in advising the people on the need to unite and have a peaceful transition period.
He made the remarks during the 8th Convocation of the International Open University-The Gambia at Muslims Girls School, Parkroad, Nairobi where he was the Chief Guest.
Prominent local, international Muslim scholars and influencers were among those who received degrees.
“If we are not careful as a country, we are slipping back to what we experienced in 2007 where violence was experienced after the polls. The religious should not remain silent when the leaders mobilise the country along ethnic lines,” said Naado.
The council boss said the religious leaders from all the regions should guide and advise on the right leadership needed for this country.
“As Muslims leadership, we will move around the country meeting Imams, preachers and our people to preach the message of peace among all the Kenyans and not to allow their places for worship to be used as a vote hunting ground for politicians,” he said.
He said as the organization, they are concerned over the recent trend of outbursts by politicians ahead of the polls urging them to avoid engaging in divisive politics.
“If this situation will not be tamed, it might destabilise the country’s peace and national cohesion through their derogatory remarks designed to ignite animosity among Kenyans,” he said.
On education matters, Naado advised the graduates to take advantage of the qualifications they have and make something good for themselves and their dependents.
“The degree and diplomas certificate you have received is your insurance policy with the premium paid in full by hard work over the years. The value of that insurance policy depends on how much effort you put into undertakings after this graduation,” said the council chairman.
He reminded them that in Islam, pursuing education is not a choice but instead it is an obligation for all.
“In this regard, Islam has put a high premium on education and that’s why the SUPKEM has a lot of respect and reverence for learning institutions such as the International Open University,” he remarked.
Naado added that graduation is not the end goal itself but instead a part of the larger journey of life where it defines your destiny.
“This graduation marks a major step in the journey of your lives, one that should be recognized for its immense significance. It is an act not only of personal commitment but also one of pride,” said Naado.
He also said graduation should serve as a launching pad where you project your futures by either taking up a career or trade or continuing with education to greater heights.
“I hope you are equipped with the necessary tools to tackle our futures because the road that lies ahead won’t be easy. There will be obstacles and missed exits and that does not mean we give up on ourselves. We need to keep pushing because we know we can achieve our dreams, we are worth it,” he said.
He lauded the institution for providing online learning and has provided opportunities to many people around the world who otherwise would have remained without education.
“As Supkem, we are proud to be associated with International Open University where graduates from diverse faiths, nationalities, ethnicities, races and socio-backgrounds are conferred with degrees and diplomas courtesy of the online learning technology adopted by this institution,” said Naado.