Supkem embroiled in leadership dispute over contested chairman role

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) finds itself embroiled in leadership disputes as the battle for the position of National Chairman unfolds.

In a letter dated January 25 addressed to Hajj Agents and in which The Eastleigh Voice is in possession of, the former Ambassador Yusuf Abdulrahman Nzibo states that he is now the National Chairman of Supkem and not Hassan Ole Naado.

Yusuf who has served in various ambassadorial roles, noted that the leadership of the Council is now under him as the National Chairman.

“This is, therefore, to bring to your attention that Hassan Ole Naado who has masqueraded and imposed himself as the National Chairman is not our bonafide leader. Thus, We have requested him to vacate our offices on Njugu Lane (CBD) immediately. We intend to reoccupy our offices on Friday, 26th January, 2024. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders including Hajj agents,” he stated.

According to Yusuf, the case of queries can be referred to a letter Ref: SOC/10997 from the Registrar of Societies to his lawyers Messrs Kusow & Advocates dated January 23, 2023, on the subject of senior leadership of Supkem.

The letter signed by the Deputy Registrar of Societies and addressed to Kusow and Advocates noted, “I refer to your letter dated November 21, 2023, and append below the names of the above society's office bearers as per their FORM H dated 24th October 2017.”

The letter states Yusuf Nzibo as the Supkem National Chairman deputised by Abdullahi Sirat Osman.

"Matter solved"

But the current Supkem leadership led by Hassan Ole Naado insists that the matter was settled and they are in right as per law to serve in office in the current Supkem leadership.

According to the current leadership, the matter was solved last year via the court of annexe and an agreement was reached via mediation.

“We do not understand why the matter is doing rounds, but the new constitution states that a National Chairman serves for five years. We have already settled the matter, there are no disputes whatsoever ongoing,” said one of the leaders in Supkem who requested anonymity since the matter between Supkem and the registrar of societies is coming up in court on January 31.

A letter dated January, 25 signed by Hassan Ole Naado addressed to all registered Hajj Agents stated; “We wish to bring to your attention the letter addressed to all agents and being circulated on WhatsApp group and other social media regarding the leadership of Supkem. Please kindly ignore the letter, it is meant to confuse the Muslim community about Supkem leadership and especially Hajj agents.”

In the letter, Hassan stated that Supkem is already taking legal action against Mr Yusuf Nzibo for impersonation.

“Yusuf Nzibo has been in court challenging his removal from office and the case was concluded when he accepted and signed an arbitration letter. There is no court order reinstating Mr Yusuf Nzibo in the office.”

Last year on November 7, the Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) was forced to intervene and wrote a letter to the registrar of societies.

“We are in receipt of a letter from Supkem, in which they claim that your office received instructions from Salim Omar and Co. Advocates, who are alleged to have misrepresented themselves as acting on behalf of Supkem in a fraudulent manner," the letter stated.

“This is therefore to request you to look into this matter and respond within 14 (fourteen) days, clearly outlining your position on the same, steps taken if any, or intended actions and time-frames for resolution of this complaint. We thank you and assure you of our highest regards.”

The Complaint was raised after the Office of the Registrar failed to provide a status on the matters raised.