Kenyans praise Jamia Mosque for assisting 'Occupy Parliament' protesters

Anti-riot police use tear gas to disperse people from the Nairobi central business district on June 18, 2024, during protests against the Finance Bill, 2024. (Photo: EV)

By Abdirahman Khalif
Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Demonstrators said Muslims at the mosque, who had been preparing for prayers, gave them water to wash their faces after anti-riot police fired tear gas to disperse them.

Nairobi's Jamia Mosque has widely been praised for assisting "Occupy Parliament" protesters who took to the streets on Tuesday to oppose the Finance Bill, 2024 over excessive taxation.

Demonstrators said Muslims at the mosque, who had been preparing for prayers, gave them water to wash their faces after anti-riot police fired tear gas to disperse them, enabling them to regroup at locations including Kimathi Street and carry on throughout the day.

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As the police pursued the demonstrators, some sought refuge at Jamia Mosque on Banda Street, as most businesses closed for the day for reasons including preventing losses.

Protesters are assisted at the Jamia Mosque in the Nairobi central business district, during 'Occupy Parliament' demonstrations on June 18, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

Several protesters expressed their gratitude via social media, saying the well-wishers attended to them in their time of need.

Via X, formerly Twitter, Osama Otero launched the mosque and pledged never to speak ill of Muslims.

"Tulipewa maji tukilemewa na teargas (We were given water when we were overwhelmed by teargas). I am truly sorry to all the Muslims I have ever offended."

Thank you all for the kind words 🫶

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
"He who does not thank the people is not thankful to Allah." (Sunan Abi Dawud)
— Jamia Mosque Nairobi (@jamia_mosque) June 19, 2024

An X user, identified only as X Councillor, noted the mosque's openness when others were closed.

In response to the appreciation, Jamia Mosque announced its readiness to host its Open Day, emphasising its welcoming nature and inviting everyone to the event.

You should also visit us in large numbers for #JamiaOpenDay 😊 We are welcoming.
— Jamia Mosque Nairobi (@jamia_mosque) June 18, 2024

Jamia Mosque is yet to announce the date of the Open Day, which aims to educate visitors about Islam, countering misconceptions often portrayed in the media. Participants are given tours, provided with snacks, and allowed to observe live prayers.

The last Jamia Open Day took place on November 11, 2023, following an event on June 3 with at least 700 attendees from various faiths and backgrounds, which Sheikh Jamaludin Osman described as successful.