The Shia Muslim community in Mombasa has urged the government to involve them in key issues such as the fight against terrorism and violent extremism among others.
Speaking on Wednesday during the commemoration of Ashura, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam, former Lamu County council chairman Hassan Al-Beity, said the community is blessed with manpower, as well as financial resources that can play an immense role when it comes to national building.
“We want the government to recognize the presence of our community in this country. We urge the president to be aware that just like Christianity which has Catholic, Anglican and protestants, Muslims too have Sunni and Shia communities who deserve representations in the government,” said Al-Beity.
“We are ready to work with the government in poverty eradication, and fighting terrorism and tribalism. Here in Mombasa we offer free water distribution to Muslims and non-Muslim institutions,” he added.
The community’s leaders also called upon the government to make the event an official national holiday in order to allow the Muslims all over the county to preach peace.
“Like other Islamic sects, the Shia sect preaches peace and non-violence. We advocate for peaceful co-existence between people irrespective of their faiths and that is the message of Imam Hussein to mankind. He advocated for non-violence where he said peace is a better option than using a sword,” said Al-Beity, as quoted by Nation.