Garissa Quba Mosque wrangles resolved after successful mediation
As part of the agreement, the mosque will remain closed to the public for the next month to allow implementation of the resolutions reached.
A longstanding dispute between two factions, which led to the closure of Quba Mosque in Garissa, came to a close last week.
The mosque was closed more last month following a decision by the county security committee, led by County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan Mwabudzo.
The mediation efforts that facilitated the reopening were spearheaded by Abdullahi Salat, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), alongside Islamic scholars and local leaders, who included Garissa Governor Nathif Jama and county security officials.
Abdullahi praised both factions for putting aside their differences and agreeing to collaborate for the benefit of the mosque and the wider community. “We stand here today to announce that we have finally restored peace and brought the conflicting parties to the table. The mediation has been very successful,” he said.
He clarified that as part of the agreement, the mosque will remain closed to the public for the next month to allow implementation of the resolutions reached. "At present, access to the mosque will only be limited to staff members,” he said.
Governor Nathif stated that both groups have promised to abide by the resolutions and pledged to work together for the mosque’s betterment. “This move reflects our shared commitment to peace, moral integrity, and the spiritual growth of our community,” he said, assuring that such disputes will not arise again.
He urged mosque leaders to overcome divisions and ensure that the mosque fulfills its role in guiding worshippers, promoting moral values, and contributing to the well-being of the Islamic community.
The divisions had caused acrimony among worshippers, and a viral video on social media showing two imams leading prayers simultaneously was widely condemned as a violation of Islamic principles and the sanctity of the prayers.
Located on the outskirts of Garissa town near Modika, the mosque has been a focal point of persistent disputes since April.
Similar conflicts at Taqwa Mosque in Njiru, Nairobi, led local authorities to shut it down after two rival factions failed to agree on its management. The disputes resulted in violence, leaving several people injured. Despite efforts by SUPKEM, Jamia Mosque, and Islamic scholars to resolve the standoff, an amicable resolution remains elusive and the mosque has remained closed for the past four months.