By E, KNA
Muslim leaders from the North Rift region have supported the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the leadership crisis in the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).
The leaders, led by the Council of Islamic Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) Chairman North Rift region, Sheikh Abubakar Bini, said the investigation is important in restoring accountability within the council and protecting the interests of pilgrims preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage.
They have urged Ainamoi MP, Hilary Kiplang’at, who is the chairman of the committee, to ensure that the investigation is carried out thoroughly and to issue a timely report to remove misunderstandings among believers.
The chairman of the Council of Islamic Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) Uasin Gishu branch, Rashid Kiplagat, has emphasized the need for a financial and administrative audit to determine how pilgrim funds were spent.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Eldoret Muslims Association, Mubarak Kiptoo, has called for urgent reforms within SUPKEM, stating that pilgrims cannot continue to suffer from poor services and unexplained costs.
The leaders have also called on the executive committee of SUPKEM, headed by Hassan Ole Naado, to temporarily step down while the investigation is ongoing, to allow the work to be carried out impartially.
SUPKEM has come under heavy criticism following complaints of poor management of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Some of the problems cited include; the dismissal of 17 agents without detailed explanations, complaints of poor conditions in Saudi Arabia, including overcrowding and lack of proper sanitation, an increase in fees charged by agents from $20 to $100 per pilgrim, which has been described as extortionate.
The tension continues to grow, with the parliamentary committee expected to begin the exercise in the next few weeks.
The results of the investigation could pave the way for major reforms within SUPKEM and restore the trust of thousands of Kenyan Muslims preparing for the Hajj in the coming years.
