I found peace in Islam. Jaymo Ule Msee opens up on his reversion

Media personality Jaymo Ule Msee says his journey into Islam has ushered in a profound sense of inner peace, inspiring him to harness his social media platforms to thoughtfully share and amplify the message of the faith with a wider audience.

The social and political commentator, who embraced Islam on December 24, 2025, expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his family, saying their encouragement has given him added strength in his spiritual journey.

Speaking during a courtesy call to members of the Jamia Mosque Committee in Nairobi on Tuesday, January 6, Jaymo—who adopted the name Abdulhakim Amir Malik—said he has embarked on a path of seeking knowledge to deepen his understanding of Islam, thereby grounding himself more firmly in the faith.

“I am happy to be in Islam, it has given me peace and comfort. I want to learn more about Islam and gain a better understanding of the faith so that I can base my actions on knowledge,” he said.

Recounting his journey to Islam, Abdulhakim explained that the seeds were planted six months ago when a friend gifted him a copy of the Qur’an. “I read the Qur’an for three months and, after reflecting on its message, I concluded that this was the truth,” he said.

He expressed deep gratitude to his family—particularly his wife and mother—whom he described as key sources of encouragement throughout his spiritual journey. “My wife has been more than supportive; she wished me well in my journey, and I am hopeful that one day she will make the same decision,” he said.

Offering advice, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome, the Da’wah Convenor at Jamia Mosque, urged Abdulhakim to live by Islamic principles, noting that his conduct would help portray a positive image of Islam to the public. He further emphasized the importance of strengthening family ties, describing it as one of the most emphasized teachings in Islam.

“Islam does not instruct you to sever family ties. Maintaining good relationships with one’s family, regardless of their faith, is among the most important Islamic values,” he said.

Sheikh Badru Jaffar, a member of the Council of Islamic Scholars (Majlis Ulamaa) of Jamia Mosque, noted that in Islam, the pursuit of knowledge has no limits and that through dedication and personal efforts, he could attain great heights, even becoming an Islamic scholar.

“It is also important that you distinguish between Islam and Muslims. Islam is perfect, but Muslims are not, and the shortcomings of some individuals should not be used to judge the faith negatively,” he said.

The Imam of Jamia Mosque, Sheikh Jamaldudin Osman, congratulated Abdulhakim on what he termed the most important decision of his life and encouraged him to continuously seek knowledge, noting that this would deepen his understanding of Islam and transform him into a better person.

Echoing these sentiments, Jamia Mosque Committee member Billow Kerrow urged Abdulhakim to make deliberate efforts to understand his faith, saying it would help him fully appreciate his decision.

“In Islam, you will find brotherhood and the sweetness of faith, and you may even wish you had embraced Islam earlier. However, to experience this sweetness, one must sacrifice time to learn and understand the teachings of Islam,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jamia Mosque Secretary General Abdul Hamid pledged the institution’s support, assuring Abdulhakim that the mosque would walk with him in his incremental steps as he pursues his spiritual aspirations.

Formerly known as Wilson Muirania Gathoni, he adopted the stage name Jaymo Ule Msee for his comedy career. His reversion to Islam has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, where he commands a large following.

Known for his fearless opinions and engaging presence, Abdulhakim remains one of the most recognisable voices in Kenya’s media landscape, where he is celebrated for his sharp wit, humour, and outspoken social commentary.

His reversion mirrors that of former British pop star Cat Stevens, who embraced Islam after receiving a copy of the Qur’an from his brother. Now known as Yusuf Islam, he is a prominent figure in the British Muslim community and the founder of Muslim Aid—one of the United Kingdom’s largest Muslim humanitarian organizations, with branches worldwide.