Nominated Member for Kisumu County Assembly Farida Salim has condemned the ruling by High Court prohibit Muslim students from wearing Hijab in schools.
Speaking in Kisumu Girls High School during a sensitisation programme on Muslim believes to 256 students, Salim said that Kenyan constitution is clear on the issues of freedom of speech and worship adding that Hijab symbolises culture and identity of Muslims.
"The constitution is very clear that one has a right not to be forced to do any act that will contravene his / her belief or religion," said Salim.
She added, “If a court can rule that Muslim girls are barred from putting on Hijab then that court is out of order. We must be tolerant, we do not want this country to be polarised along religious lines.”
Kisumu Assembly Acting speaker Gabriel Ochieng also said that Muslim religion and beliefs should be upheld.
High Court Judge Harun Makau ruled on Friday that Muslim girls at St. Paul Kiwanjani Secondary School have no right to wear the veils in school stating that it is contrary to the school’s rules and regulations.
St. Paul Kiwanjani Secondary School is sponsored by Methodist Church.
The judge said a decision by the director of education allowing Muslim students in the county to wear hijab and white trousers is discriminatory, unlawful and unconstitutional.
Methodist Church went to court complaining that the move by the county education office to permit Muslim girls to wear hijab and white trousers had created disparity among students.