A past photo of Uasin Gishu Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Chairman Sheikh Abubakar Bini. [Photo: Joe Khisa]
The national government has been asked to consider reopening the immigration department offices in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County.
The office was closed in 2015 following the Al Shabaab threats and claims of the officials engaging in corruption when issuing passports to locals.
Speaking during the Jamhuri day celebrations at the 64 stadium in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Chairman Sheikh Abubakar Bini said it was unfortunate that the offices had been shut down.
He pointed out that majority of the locals, most of whom are celebrated athletes are now being forced to travel to Nairobi or Kisumu for the passports.
"This is a fast-growing town destined to become a city and we need that immigration office back here," said Sheikh Bini.
"If there were known mistakes that caused the closure, we need to correct them and allow our athletes get those documents while in their home county instead of traveling outside," he added.