Bungoma Muslim community issuing a press statement on Friday…Photo/IP
By Timothy Wekesa
BUNGOMA, Kenya (IP)
Tension and frustration are mounting within Bungoma’s Muslim community as worshippers linked to the Jamia Mosque demand justice, two years after the mosque was demolished under what they describe as controversial circumstances.
Mosque leaders say the structure was torn down by an individual described as a well-wisher who promised to finance the construction of a new, modern mosque.
The project, however, never materialized. Instead, community leaders allege that security personnel were later deployed to the site, preventing worshippers from accessing the land.
The stalemate has forced congregants to travel several kilometers outside the town to attend prayers at other mosques, disrupting religious and social life.
In an effort to seek redress, mosque officials said they had planned peaceful demonstrations after notifying Bungoma Police Station.
The protest, they said, was called off after authorities informed them on the eve of the event that permission had been withdrawn.
“We are simply asking for justice,” said Imam Issa Amwere, a Jamia Mosque leader.
“The person who promised to rebuild our mosque should come forward and explain why our place of worship was destroyed.”
Sheikh Ramadhan Omar, another senior leader, criticized the cancellation of the planned demonstrations, saying the community had no intention of causing unrest.
“We wanted to express our grievances peacefully, but the officer commanding Bungoma Town said the protest could lead to chaos, which was never our intention,” he said.
The faithful have now appealed to Bungoma Gov. Kenneth Lusaka to intervene.
They allege the individual behind the demolition used the governor’s name to gain the community’s trust.
Salim Ali Mwanga, the mosque’s vice chairperson, said worshippers have been left spiritually and socially disadvantaged.
“Our members cannot access their mosque. We feel marginalized and abandoned under unclear circumstances,” he said.
Youth representative Bilhali Wily echoed the call for justice, stressing the community’s commitment to peace and the rule of law.
“All we want is clarity and justice regarding our house of worship. We are law-abiding citizens and will follow due process,” he said.
The leaders were speaking at Bahati Mosque in Bungoma town, where the Jamia Mosque faithful are currently holding prayers as they await a resolution.
