Muslim leaders forgive Kennedy Ng’ondi for ‘forced handshake’ video
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) has finally met with the Speaker of Nairobi County Assembly, Kennedy Ng’ondi, after 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 chairperson Hassan Ole Naado said the matter has been solved 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 move into a political direction. Let people sort out their political issues elsewhere, but not using unfortunate situations,” Naado said.
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According to Mr Ng’ondi, the video that was recorded in November 2022 during his birthday party at the assembly. In the video, he appears to be forcing one female Muslim MCA to shake his hand.
Mr Ng’ondi admitted that his actions were uncalled for and that he only realised the other day that such actions are not acceptable in the Muslim faith.
“My actions has really brought a lot of unrest within my family. I’m a family person, and I really regret of my action, and I’m here on behalf of my family,” he said.
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Mr Ng’ondi also thanked the Muslim community for accepting his apology and promised to work with them closely going forward for the benefit of all.
The Speaker was accompanied by Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok and Mabatini MCA Wilfred Oluoch, who is also the Chairperson of the Nairobi County Assembly Budget, Finance and Appropriation Committee.
At the same time, Supkem said the initial demands raised by the Association of Muslim Lawyers will be handled internally.
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However, one of the lawyers who was part of the team conformed that the issues raised by the association stand cancelled.
“I can assure you that the proceedings will not proceed,” the lawyer said.
The association had expressed its displeasure and invited DCI to probe the matter, stating that the Speaker’s action was immoral, and violated religious beliefs of the member.
The assembly leadership said the Powers and Privileges Committee is already probing members who are alleged to have spread the video with bloggers, and the outcome is expected to be out after 21 days.