By Shadrack Nyakoe
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims has has disassociated itself from a petition seeking to stop any dialogue between political leaders and the Gen Z youths.
The Muslim Council says it was not consulted by Cyprian Nyamwamu, the petitioner, before being added as an interested party.
SUPKEM led by its National Chairperson Alhajj Hassan Ole Naado the issues raised by Gen Z cannot be addressed outside the structures provided in the Constitution.
“In holding this position, we are guided by provisions of Article 2 of the Constitution which holds, among other things, that “no person may claim or exercise State authority except as authorized under this Constitution.” Our position in support of a structured and all-inclusive dialogue to address the pertinent issues raised by Gen Z is anchored in Article 10 of the Constitution on national values and principles of governance which include, among others, rule of law, democracy and participation of the people,” stated the chairperson on Monday during a press conference.
The SUPKEM urged those opposed to dialogue to embrace the call for an inclusive national dialogue.
“We also call upon the political class not to use the opportunity for dialogue to entrench their vested interest at the expense of the well-meaning grievances raised by our young people. We cannot proceed with dialogue without justice for the innocent lives lost during the Gen Z protests and without holding the relevant duty bearers accountable for the physical and psychological trauma suffered by those who were maimed, abducted and illegally detained in the State’s response to the youth protests,” he further noted.