Joho, Shahbal, Omar embrace during Idd–Ul-Fitr prayers
Mombasa gubernatorial candidates set aside their political differences and exchanged pleasantries during Idd–Ul-Fitr prayers on Monday.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Wiper candidate Hassan Omar and Jubilee Party’s Suleiman Shahbal joined Muslim faithful for prayers at Ronald Ngala primary school grounds.
During prayers, Mr Joho and Shahbal were in the front row alongside Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, while Mr Omar mingled with other faithful.
BITTER RIVALS
The bitter political rivals hugged each other with smiles after prayers and exchanged pleasantries.
Also present were Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Jubilee’s candidate for the same seat Omar Shallo.
Separately Mr Omar told off the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly Aden Duale over his remarks against the Chief Kadhi on Sunday.
Mr Omar said the position of a Chief Kadhi is that of an institution meant to lead Muslims across the country and not of any political party.
“If he (Chief Kadhi) is wrong there is a way correct him but not to use disrespectful words,” said Mr Omar.
WE’RE ALL EQUAL
“Whether you prayed on Sunday or today (Monday) we are all equal, let us not argue on when the moon was sighted,” said Mr Omar.
He added that it was wrong for Mr Duale to mock the Chief Kadhi whom he said does not have a platform to respond.
On Sunday, Mr Duale was quoted urging Muslims to ‘disregard the confusion that the Chief Kadhi wants to use to divide the Muslim Umma in our country”.
The prayers at Ronald Ngala primary school grounds were led by Ustadh Mahmoud Mustafa who urged Kenyans to embrace peace saying political differences should not divide people.
Chief Kadhi Ahmed Mohdhar called for peaceful campaigns and elections.