SUPKEM Leadership Dispute Intensifies Amidst Land Ownership Concerns

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) is facing increasing tensions as a leadership dispute threatens to derail a critical development project on a six-acre plot of land in Nairobi. The land, which was allocated to SUPKEM by the Nairobi City Council in 1982, is intended for a major project that includes a modern mosque, commercial spaces, and facilities to generate income for madrasa teachers across the country.

Alhaji Bakari, the former Secretary-General of SUPKEM, voiced his concerns over the ongoing leadership battle, emphasizing that the focus should be on the land and its potential benefits for the Muslim community. "This land is crucial for the future of our community," Bakari stated. "It could provide financial support for madrasa teachers, but instead of advancing this project, we are caught up in unnecessary disputes."

The six-acre plot has the potential to generate significant income, with an estimated 20 million shillings per month in revenue from the commercial development. This income would be used to fund madrasa teachers, who often work with limited financial support. "This project could change the lives of many madrasa teachers, but it is being delayed due to the ongoing leadership wrangle," Bakari added.

Bakari also raised concerns about the interference of the Registrar of Societies in the leadership dispute, which he believes has complicated the situation further. "The Registrar’s involvement has made things worse," he explained. "Instead of focusing on the council’s work, we are dealing with legal battles and confusion about who holds legitimate leadership."

SUPKEM’s Garissa branch has called for intervention from the Attorney General, urging that the rule of law be upheld and the leadership issue resolved. "We need to focus on the land and its development, not on fighting over positions," said a representative from Garissa. "This land belongs to the Muslim community, and we cannot allow internal disputes to prevent its progress."

The future of the project remains uncertain as both sides of the leadership dispute continue to dig in their heels. Bakari concluded, "We must move beyond these conflicts and focus on the development of the land, which is a valuable resource for the entire Muslim community."