KENYA: IMAMS SUPPORT RAILA ODINGA

Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) announced support for Raila Odinga’s bid for presidency. Speaking in Mombasa, Organising secretary of CIPK, Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa, said more than 72 Muslim groups have extended their support. The groups, which are also affiliated to the umbrella National Muslim Leaders Forum, made the decision after considering Raila’s vision. Khalifa said the Muslim community was happy with Raila’s pre-election pledge of fighting for the interests of Kenyan Muslims and ensuring equal distribution of resources. He said it was regrettable that the Government was arbitrarily arresting Muslims on allegations that they were terrorists. CIPK Assistant Treasurer, Sheikh Hassan Suleiman, said the community would campaign for Raila.