Mount Kenya fronts lawyer Ali Mahmud and Sheikh Abdallah Ndope for Waqf commissioners

NAIROBI—The Muslim community in Mount Kenya region has proposed two prominent Muslim personalities to represent them in the Waqf Commission of Kenya (WCK).

WCK is preparing to usher in new commissioners after the term of the former commissioners lapsed in 2019. They have proposed two individuals: Nairobi-based lawyer Ali Mahmud for the position of Waqf commissioner and Sheikh Abdallah Said Ndope, the Mt Kenya regional representative.

Muslim residents said that lawyer Ali Mahmud and Sheikh Abdallah Ndope have been very active on matters of the Muslim community in the region and across the country, and that they have proved to be good and responsible leaders who have been at the forefront to champion for the rights and interests of Muslims.

“We opine that with this proposal, each and every segment of our society will be represented equitably at the Waqf Commission of Kenya (WCK),” they said.

Lawyer Ali Mahmud has on several occasions represented Muslims on varied issues to ensure their rights are not violated as enshrined in the Constitution.

They pointed out that Sheikh Abdallah Ndope, who is the chairman of Islamic Da’wa Group, has similarly contributed to the setting up of Waqf project the first of its kind in Nyeri and Mount Kenya in general.

At a recent Iftar event organized by the Eastleigh Business District Association, President William Ruto directed Attorney-General Justin Muturi to facilitate the appointment of new commissioners to serve in the Waqf Commission of Kenya.

“I have instructed the AG to make sure that the commissioners are selected so that I can appoint the Chairman,” Ruto said.

The Commission will consist of the Attorney-General Justin Muturi and eight members appointed by the President on the recommendation of the selection panel.

The members must be Muslim, hold a degree from a recognized university, and meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution. The AG is expected to set up a selection panel to interview potential commissioners as per the constitution and the new Waqf law.

For the last three years, the Waqf Commission of Kenya has been without commissioners. Also the term of the Chief Executive Officer and secretary of the commission expired on March 2021.

Waqf Commission is a religious and charitable commission that mainly administers property and other related matters in the Muslim Community set aside for charitable purposes.

For decades, the Waqf Commission has only operated in the former Coast Province. However, with the new law, the Waqf Commission of Kenya will cover the entire country in line with the spirit of the Kenyan Constitution.