Listen to the Muslim voices on Palestine, NAMLEF tells Govt

It is not going to be a rosy affair if concerns by Muslims regarding Palestine continue to be ignored.

The message, delivered by NAMLEF chairman Abdullahi Abdi, stressed the need for the government to demonstrate its commitment to justice by clearly condemning the genocide against Palestinians.

Speaking at the Gaza Humanitarian Aid Anniversary at Adams Mosque in Nairobi on Sunday, October 26, Abdullahi expressed the community's disheartened sentiments regarding the government's lukewarm response to Palestinian issues.

"We acknowledge that President William Ruto went to the United Nations and made a statement supporting a two-state solution, which is very positive," he said. "However, we have noted that when something small happens to Israel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rushes to express its support, while it remains silent when more than 70,000 Palestinians are killed."

He cautioned that the community will not remain silent if its interests are ignored in the formulation of government policies. "We are Kenyans, we have a voice, we have political power, and we will use this to defend our rights," he told the hundreds who gathered for the event.

The NAMLEF chairman urged all Kenyans to stand with Palestine in their struggle for peace and freedom, comparing it to the global anti-apartheid campaign in South Africa.

"This is not about religion or race," he emphasized. "We are asking the people of Kenya to join the struggle for justice, just like we stood up to liberate South Africa from apartheid," he said while lauding the international community—from New Zealand to Europe and the Americas—for showing solidarity with Palestine.

He hailed Palestinians as the world's most resilient people, noting that their spirit has not diminished despite decades of suffering, including sustained bombardment of Gaza during the past two years. “They have shown extraordinary resilience. For more than 78 years, they have endured a lot of suffering since Zionist colonial settlers forcibly displaced them from their land,” he said.

The recent ceasefire agreement trumpeted by US President Donald Trump, he said, was not being honoured by Israel, as the borders remained closed and residents continued to suffer severe shortages of food, water, and electricity, in flagrant violation of the pact.

The NAMLEF chairman pointed out that Kenyans would be going through a similar experience like Palestinians had an earlier plan to have a Jewish homeland in the Uasin Gishu plateau succeeded. “Because of their gluttonous nature for land, the Zionists would not have only settled in Kenya but would have gone on to occupy the whole of East Africa,” he said.

In 1903, British Colonial Secretary Joseph Chamberlain proposed what became known as the Uganda Scheme offering a territory in East Africa (now largely Kenya) as a potential Jewish homeland and refuge from European persecution.

Guests following proceedings during the NAMLEF Humanitarian Aid anniversary

In his address, Dr. Fathu Abdulqadir the President of Ruwwad, a humanitarian organization providing relief assistance to the people of Palestine, appreciated Kenyans for their unwavering support to the people of Gaza.

“Thank you for every effort you have made, for every shilling you have paid, for the general support to your brothers and sisters in the ever patient, steadfast and persevering Gaza which continues to bleed in pain yet continues to shine in hope,” he said.

Speaking during the event, the Amnesty International Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, praised Kenyans for their support for the people of Palestine. “Despite the harsh economic times, it is encouraging that Kenyans have found resources to give to the people of Gaza,” he said while calling on the government to strengthen its humanitarian response to the people of Gaza.

On his part, former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow emphasized that the Palestinian struggle was a legitimate right under international law, saying it reflected the United Nations policy to stand against colonialism and occupation. “There was an effort by the United States to seek a declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organisation but the plan was rejected by the UN,” he said.

Sheikh Hassan Omar Sukhyan, the acting Chief Kadhi, emphasised that the situation in Gaza should serve as an enduring lesson for all humanity, as he urged for continued compassion and generosity. “What is happening in Gaza is a lesson for all of us. We should not say we donated yesterday, today we do not have the ability,” he said.

The Gaza Humanitarian Aid anniversary marked one year of sustained support by NAMLEF towards the people of Palestine. The event was a solemn reflection on the suffering and resilience of Palestinians while showcasing what the organization has been doing with the financial aid sent to Gaza.

During the event, NAMLEF highlighted its achievement in Gaza where it has been involved in various humanitarian initiatives, which include food aid, medical support, provision of water through borehole construction and solar projects, among other programmes.

In the last year, more than 125,000 people in Gaza have benefitted from the support from Kenya through NAMLEF. Among its programmes to raise funds is the Family Pledge, where for as little as US $10 (Sh 1,300), a family commits itself to provide monthly support for the people of Gaza.

At the event, several videos were screened highlighting how donations from Kenyans have been distributed and utilized.

The event came to a conclusion with renewed pledges to support Gaza through donations and advocacy, as well as calls to push for full access to humanitarian corridors.