The National Union of Kenya Muslims (Nukem) has lined up several educational workshops for Muslim leaders across the country to modernize Muslim Society with an aim of encouraging Muslims to vote wisely in the coming general elections. 

Speaking during a workshop for Muslim leaders and Imaams from Western region convened at a hotel in Mumias town on Sunday, Nukem Coordinator Sheikh Shaaban Saed said participation of Muslims in the democratic process of political life is vital. 

“As citizens we have struggled for the right and the duty to choose and remove the people who represent us and make decisions that affect our daily lives, but as Muslims, we have an obligation to join hands with others to elect those who will seek the common good,” said Sheikh Saed. 

Sheikh Saed said although the political class has been embroiled in expenses scandals and the public has lost trust in them, Muslims too are less inclined to support untrustworthy individuals but should not be tempted to stay away from the coming elections. 

He urged them to resist tendency towards apathy and exercise their judgment by voting for trustworthy candidates who they believe will represent their needs and values better than before stressing that the coming election is critical to the character of the parliament. 

“The forthcoming General Election will be one of the most important in a generation. With six elective posts, the very character of Parliament will change. It is an ideal opportunity for voters to reconnect and hold to account their representatives. It is imperative for Muslims to vote on issues that concern them as citizens,” advised Sheikh Saed. 

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Butere-Mumias branch Sharif Hassan who was also present at the workshop urged more Muslim women and men to seek elective posts. 

“Men have been tried and tested in various leadership positions. The results are all clear to see with many being embroiled in grand corruption scandals,’’ said Shariff.