In-pictures16 January 2026 - 13:40

[PHOTOS] Chapati time! Ruto joins Dawoodi community in the Kitchen

During the visit, Ruto joined Syedna and community members in kneading chapati dough

by SHARON MWENDE

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**President William Ruto kneading dough with Dawoodi Bohra community's Spiritual Leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin in Karen, Nairobi County on January 16, 2026/PCS**

President William Ruto on Friday met the Dawoodi Bohra community’s spiritual leader, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, in Karen, Nairobi.

During the visit, Ruto joined Syedna and community members in kneading chapati dough, a gesture that underscored the warm ties between the government and the Dawoodi Bohra community.

He was accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Health CS Aden Duale, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Education CS Julius Ogamba.

The Dawoodi Bohra community, a Shia Muslim group of Indian Gujarati origin, welcomed Syedna to Kenya on January 8.

His visit reflects the community’s long-standing relationship with the country, where they have been present since the early 19th century.

Globally numbering about one million, the Dawoodi Bohra trace their heritage to the Fatimid Caliphate.

They are known for emphasising peace, education, ethical business practices and community service.

In Kenya, they have contributed to trade, healthcare through medical camps, education through institutions such as Nairobi’s Al Jamea Tus Saifiyah academy, and environmental programs.

Syedna’s visit is expected to strengthen these engagements and deepen cooperation between the community and the Kenyan government.