SUPKEM forgives Nairobi speaker for offending Muslim MCA in viral clip
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has finally met with Nairobi Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi following a viral video that drew criticism from members of the public and the Muslim community.
Speaking at the council’s headquarters in Nairobi, SUPKEM National Chairman Hassan Ole Naado said the matter had been resolved and that politicians should not use the said clip to settle their political scores.
“The matter should not be dragged as a political issue, we need to move on and not allow this matter to be dragged in a political direction. Let people settle their political issues elsewhere, but not using an unfortunate situation,” Naado said.
According to the Speaker, the video recorded in November 2022 during his birthday party at the Assembly, in which he is seen forcing one of the female Muslim MCAs to shake his hand, has caused a lot of problems not only for him but also for his family, hence the reason for seeking the attention of the Council to forgive him.
The speaker admitted that his action was unwarranted and that it was only recently that he realised that such actions are not allowed in the Muslim community.
“My actions have really caused a lot of turmoil in my family. I’m a family man and I really regret my actions and I’m here on behalf of my family,” said Speaker Ng’ondi.
Ng’ondi also thanked the Muslim community for accepting his apology and promised to work closely with them in the future for the benefit of all.
He was accompanied by Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok, Mabatini MCA Wilfred Oluoch, who is also the Chairman of the Nairobi County Assembly Committee on Budget, Finance and Appropriation.
During his address, Supkem announced that the initial demands made by the Muslim Lawyers Association would be dealt with internally.
However, one of the lawyers who was part of the team that addressed the media agreed that the issues raised by the association would be dropped.
“I can assure you that the case will not proceed,” the lawyer said.
The association had expressed its displeasure and asked the DCI to investigate the matter, stating that the Speaker’s action was immoral and violated the religious beliefs of the member.
The Assembly leadership said the Powers and Privileges Committee is already investigating the members who allegedly leaked the video to bloggers, and the results are expected in 21 days.