Maintain Peace for a Stable and Progressive Kenya – CIPK tells Kenyans

Kenyans have been asked to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and ensure that the country does not slide again in a protracted cycle of violence.

As the nation prepares for by-elections in several areas at the end of this month, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) emphasized the importance of tolerance, respect for individual rights, and the protection of property.

“In all situations, peace is of paramount importance. We must not take the current climate of stability for granted. As Muslims, we have a duty to ensure that peace thrives at all times,” said CIPK Secretary-General Sheikh Muhammad Dor.

He made these remarks during a CIPK-organized peace conference held on November 6 at the Sir Ali Muslim Club in Nairobi. The event was themed, “Our Collective Responsibility: Forging a Legacy of Peace and Prosperity for Nairobi.”

Sheikh Dor highlighted Kenya’s history of political violence, particularly after the 2007 elections, and pointed to recent unrest in neighboring countries, including Tanzania and Sudan, as cautionary examples. He urged citizens to maintain peace to prevent situations that could escalate into violence and result in loss of lives and property.

“A stable and peaceful nation is essential for progress. Citizens should not listen to naysayers but instead work to ensure unity and harmony among Kenya’s communities,” he added.

Echoing this sentiment, CIPK Chairman Sheikh Abdallah Ateka called on Kenyans to prioritize peace as they engage in the political process. “We have seen loss of lives, suffering and destruction of properties due to political instability. We need to maintain peace as stability is crucial for the social and economic development of our country,” he said.

Sheikh Ateka also encouraged Muslims to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise, noting that civic engagement is part of their responsibility as citizen of Kenya. “If we expect to see positive developments in our communities, we must elect leaders who genuinely care for the interests of both their constituencies and the nation,” he said.

A section of participants during the peace conference

Speaking at the event, the CIPK Nairobi Coordinator Sheikh Athman Abdallah emphasized that while individual rights are important, they must never come at the expense of endangering peace. “Islam teaches us that peace is more important than individual rights. We call on all Kenyans to prioritize peace above all,” he said.

In his remarks , the CIPK Organizing Secretary Sheikh Khalifa Muhammad urged responsible use of social media, emphasizing that the platform should be used to promote unity and harmony rather than division. “Islamic ethics teach us to verify information before sharing it. Spreading false or malicious news that has the potential to sow hatred and create mischief in society is also against Islamic ethics,” he noted.

The conference attracted over 600 Imams and preachers from Nairobi and surrounding areas and included CIPK officials from across the country.

The country is in the midst of an election fever in a by-election slated for November 27 to fill vacant positions in 24 electoral areas. The elections will cover the Baringo Senate seat, six National Assembly constituencies: Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja as well as 16 MCA positions in various parts of the country.

These vacancies arose due to a number of reasons, including deaths and appointments to other roles.