Shauri Moyo residents protest vandalism at Mosque, call for government action
The residents vowed that they would not allow private developers to change the purpose of the land insisting the mosque is an essential part of their community and must be protected.
Residents of Shauri Moyo estate in Kamukunji, Nairobi on Friday protested the vandalism happening at the only mosque in the area. The mosque, located on Heshima Road, has had its roof removed, and parts of the upper structure have been damaged.
The identity of those responsible for the destruction remains unknown.
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After Friday prayers, residents called on the government to intervene and protect the mosque. They alleged that individuals with an interest in grabbing the land were behind the destruction.
Ahmed Kombo, an elder in the area, said some people were attempting to convert the mosque's land into a private hospital.
He stated that those involved had connections with influential people who were helping them push their agenda.
"They want to take this mosque and this land. These people have powerful connections," he said.
Ahmed further claimed that three individuals, whose terms as members of the mosque's committee had expired, were supporting the project. He accused them of working with private developers to demolish the mosque and construct a private hospital on the land.
The mosque serves not only as a place of worship but also as a school where Muslim children in Shauri Moyo learn the Quran and Islamic teachings.
According to Ahmed, those advocating for the land takeover initially claimed they wanted to renovate the mosque. However, residents later realised the real intention was to lease the land for private development.
"They told us they were going to renovate the mosque for us. Later, we found out they wanted to take over the land," he said.
A section of the mosque which was vandalised by unknown people. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
Lease agreement
Ahmed criticised the process, saying he had seen a 20-year lease agreement signed without involving the local Muslim community. He stated that the land is public property and cannot be leased out without public participation.
"It is not possible to lease public land without following the right procedures," he said.
The residents have reached out to Kamukunji Deputy County Commissioner Fredrick Muli and the local Member of County Assembly (MCA) Paul Ndungu to stop the destruction. They urged authorities to act quickly to protect the mosque.
Zahra Mbone, a resident, spoke about the discrimination she faced after raising concerns. She said some people dismissed her because she was a recent convert to Islam.
"I was told I am not a real Muslim because I converted recently. But a Muslim is a Muslim. Our mosque has been destroyed, and we want justice," she said.
Musa Bovinda, a human rights activist, also claimed he faced discrimination while advocating for the mosque. He said he was accused of not being a Muslim and told he had no right to fight for the mosque or the Muslim community in Shauri Moyo.
"The three individuals pushing for the lease lost their positions in 2023. A private developer cannot take over public land and destroy a mosque that has been here for years," he said.
The Muslim community in Shauri Moyo has vowed to continue fighting for the mosque. They have called on the government to step in and ensure the land remains in public hands.
The residents vowed that they would not allow private developers to change the purpose of the land insisting the mosque is an essential part of their community and must be protected.
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