Muslim leaders in Mombasa have appealed to President William Ruto to construct a mosque within State House grounds, arguing that such a move would reflect inclusivity and balance religious representation in key national spaces.
Led by Sheikh Abu Qatada, the clerics insisted their call was not rooted in division, but in a shared vision of fairness and unity.
In a video that has since gone viral, Sheikh Qatada said, “This is not about division; it is about inclusion. State House ni mahali inayobeba watu wa dini zote…. nasi pia tunaomba ipatikane jengo la Waisilamu ili tukifika sahemu kama hiyo tupate sehemu ya kuswali.” (State House is a place that represents people of all religions... we are simply requesting a place for Muslims to pray when we visit such a place.)
The appeal comes amid growing unease within some Muslim communities, who feel marginalised in national projects that appear to favour other religious groups.
While many acknowledge President Ruto’s broader support for Islamic institutions, the clerics’ request reflects a desire to see that support translated into symbolic and inclusive infrastructure at the highest level.
The appeal comes days after Ruto confirmed he was building a church withoin state house.
Ruto noted that he was not utilising government funds to build the church but was using his own money for the construction, telling off critics.
Mombasa Muslim clerics appeal sharply contrasts with events in Garissa recently, where discontent recently erupted over the construction of a mosque spearheaded by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
In a widely circulated video, a frustrated man accused Duale of excluding the local Muslim community from the project.
“You built the mosque, locked yourself inside, and left us out,” the man said bitterly, alleging that the mosque had become more a political trophy than a communal place of worship. His remarks have sparked wider concerns about elite control and tokenism in matters of religious development.
Drama and Shock in Garissa as CS Duale Blocks Muslims from Worshipping as he Closes their Mosque! pic.twitter.com/mHJrSqYpBn
— Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) June 5, 2025
While applauding President Ruto’s apparent goodwill, the Mombasa clerics urged for actionable inclusivity. “We must be honest and fair,” one cleric stated.
“This president has shown goodwill to the Muslim community.” But they want that goodwill clearly visible in Kenya’s most symbolic spaces, starting with State House.
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