President Uhuru Kenyatta has feted a Garissa based senior Muslim cleric for his role in the fight against violent extremism.
Sheikh Hassan Abdullahi thanked the President on Thursday in Garissa town for recognizing him in promoting peace in Garissa.
President Uhuru further recognized the cleric for promoting peace and co-existence between community and clans in the region.
Warring communities in the region have been feuding over a long-running boundary dispute and limited natural resources that has negatively affected the growth of the region in terms of development.
Sheikh Abdullahi who is also the chairman of Garissa sub-county peace committee teaches that radicalization and violent extremism has no place in their religion.
He said speaking out against extremist groups in Garissa through the sub-county security and peace committee is required by the religion.
Sheikh Abdullahi who is also a member of Supreme council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) said the fight against terrorism should be supported by everyone.
“Extremist groups have used the Koran to portray Islam as a violent religion that doesn’t accommodate other faiths.”
“There is nowhere in the scriptures that says you must kill another to go to paradise. I have been giving sermons in the mosque and any other public forums against actions of terrorism. I thank the President for recognizing these efforts,” Sheikh Abdullahi said as quoted by kenyanews.go.ke.