Statement by the Chairman of the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF)

MAY A NEW NATION EMERGE...

Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim

Allah states in the Holy Qur’an: “Indeed Allah does not change the state of a nation unless they themselves change what is in themselves”. Ar Raad 13:11

Never before has the leadership in our country saved Kenya from the brink of disintegration and collapse. Never before has the individual action of two citizens in Kenya heralded such relief and inspired such hope in our country. Never before has the goodwill and commitment of political parties and politicians been so needed to steer our country to a future whose past will not be what Kenya witnessed following the post-election crisis. Never before has a political settlement transformed, in a stroke, a crippling crisis into opportunity and hope; and the illegitimacy of a government to full recognition and support.

The Muslim community in Kenya heartily congratulates President Mwai Kibaki and Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga for their leadership when Kenya needed it most. We commend President Kibaki’s cabinet and Party of National Unity on one hand and Hon Odinga’s Pentagon and the Orange Democratic Movement on the other for providing counsel and bedrock support to make the political settlement a reality.

As a country, Kenyans shall forever be indebted to the international community, including our neighbours, who valued Kenyans so much to urge us and persist that a political settlement be reached at all costs. The roles of HE Kofi Annan, HE Benjamin Mkapa and HE Graca Machel are now carved in the hearts of Kenyans. Kenyans will always remember and be grateful to the guidance and the mandate of the African Union, the oversight role of the United Nations, the attention and firmness of the United States of America, the critical initial leadership of and core support by the European Union, the courage and promptness of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the goodwill and wisdom of Retired Presidents of Africa.

We pain at the loss of lives, maiming and trauma of fellow citizens, loss of homes, shelters and livelihood. We condole our fellow Kenyans and pray that solace, calm and normalcy return in their Lives. We know that with prayers and steadfastness Gods mercies and favours are always with us.

The post-election crisis brought forth many realities and taught us many lessons. Only in dealing with those realities and learning from the lessons can a new stable, just, equitable and prosperous nation emerge. We have learnt that a nation is not merely a state within boundaries, but a place where communities have chosen and are willing and able to live with one another. We have also learnt that justice, humility and fairness are the foundations of a harmonious peaceful nation. We have also learnt that leadership is the greatest ingredient and asset of a people and nations. We have also learnt that where leadership is accountable, individually and collectively, to God and the people, the society flourishes.

Our country now has the opportunity to exorcise and deal with the ghost of historical injustices and marginalization faced by many communities in Kenya, including Muslims, dating back even before independence. Only in tackling these, will the nation’s conscience be cleared and the pain, loss, bitterness, trauma and indignity calmed.

One such step, and immediate one at that, is the bringing back of the over 27 Kenyans who were renditloned by NARC government to Somalia, Ethiopia and the Guantamano Bay. Kenyans, Muslims in particular, will not celebrate when Kenyans continue being illegally held incommunicado in other countries outside the framework of justice, fairness, constitutionalism and the rule of law. Muslims do not seek favour but demand justice and accountability.

Another such immediate step, is a lasting solution that vMl enible th Internally Displaced Persons to settle and get their liv sand tamir back to normalcy. We must not pretend all is well until all is 8Fnuir all for all Kenyans.

The eyes of Kenyans are now on the 10th Parliament and the individual Members of Parliament. Will our MPs correctly read the mood of Kenyans? Wilt our MPs of the 10h Parliament take our country backwards or wilt they rise to the occasion and take the spirit of President Kibki and Hon Odinga further? Will they see Kenya as a land for all or enclaves for a few? Will the 13th Parliament take the opportunity to be engraved in the annals of Kenya’s history through facilitation of a people owned new constitutional dispensation? Only time wilt tell. And Kenyans are keenly watching.

As other Kenyans, Muslims in Kenya intend to be critical stakeholders in the affairs of the Coalition government. We are fully appraise on dangers that turk in such a balanced but potentially over domineering coalition. We have learnt that left alone, without counsel, prodding, accountability and maximum checks and balances, any government rises to high levels of impunity, arrogance and indifference. We shall play our role across the political divide, religious diversity and ethnic range to marshal Kenyans towards a new nation we have so much yearned for. We call on all Kenyans to set special moments every day to pray for each other, to pray with each other, to pray for all of us and to pray for our country.

We call on every one of us to take a deep fresh breath to walk this journey. It will not be easy, but it nevertheless must be walked. Time for change is now more than ever before. In changing what is Inside - our hearts through sincerity in our intentions, purposeful in our words and commitment in our deeds, Allah provide for us opportunity to be His true servants and cause change in our lives, our communities and our country.

National Muslim Leaders Forum

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