Supkem leadership dispute: Genesis of current wrangles

A meeting in 2020 held with delegates from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) across the 47 counties at a hotel in Eastleigh sparked the ongoing leadership wrangles within the organization, Eastleigh Voice reveals. Speaking with journalists in Mombasa, the current Supkem leadership noted that the event marked a significant turning point, shaping the course of the council's future and influencing the direction of Muslim representation in Kenya.

"It was in January 2020 when delegates from Supkem all 47 counties met at the Royal Hotel in Eastleigh," said Mombasa Supkem Chairperson Athman Akbar. "A general meeting was held, and the delegates all agreed in one voice that they no longer wanted Ambassador Yusuf Nzibo as the Chairman."

Akbar added that they had invited Ambassador Nzibo to the meeting, but he never attended. This led to a legal battle that lasted for three years. "Last year, the court urged both sides to resolve the matter and reconcile, which we did," Akbar said. "So, we were shocked when we saw him writing a letter recently claiming to be the National Chairman again."

The current Supkem leadership has strongly condemned the involvement of the Office of the Registrar of Societies in fueling the dispute. "Their actions tarnish the integrity of our democratic process and erode public trust," said Mombasa Supkem Secretary Said Ali.

This follows a letter sent by the office that listed Ambassador Nzibo as the Supkem National Chairman, prompting calls for intervention from the Attorney General's Office. The current Supkem leadership has set a two-week deadline for the issue to be addressed, threatening peaceful demonstrations if their concerns are not heard.

Meanwhile, in a separate letter addressing Hajj agents (individuals or companies authorized to organize pilgrimages to Mecca), Ambassador Nzibo claims to be the rightful leader of Supkem. He urges them to cooperate with his faction and vacate the current Supkem offices.

The conflicting claims and ongoing legal battles have created a state of uncertainty within Supkem, with both sides vying for control. It remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved and what it means for the future of the organization.