Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Justine Muturi responded to President William Ruto over his claims he was fairly incompetent in handling legal matters concerning the establishment of Waqf endowment.
Muturi said under the Waqf Act no.8 of 2022 there is no provision for a “Muslim Endowment Fund “.
“It must be understood that a waqf is a religious, charitable or benevolent endowment by a person who professes Muslim faith and is managed by the Waqf Commission,” he said.
He was responding to Ruto’s remarks that Muturi is incompetent.
It is the first time Ruto attacked Muturi who has been criticizing his government over among others abduction claims.
Speaking during an Iftar dinner at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said Muturi had been “fairly incompetent” in handling legal matters concerning the establishment of Waqf, a commission which would be in charge of the management of Islamic endowments.
“I had a problem with the AG who was there before—he was fairly incompetent. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I can assure you that the issues of Waqf will be sorted out within months,” Ruto said.
He assured the Muslim community that under the current Attorney General, these long-standing issues would be resolved within months.
He was responding to the Muslim leaders’ concerns about delays in the establishment of an endowment fund, which has an Act in place that has not been operationalised.
Ruto’s criticism of Muturi’s tenure as AG is the strongest indication yet of their growing rift, coming amid Muturi’s recent accusations that the Ruto government is complicit in abductions and extrajudicial killings.
Ruto also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusivity, emphasizing that the government accommodates all communities regardless of background or religion.
“The government of Kenya is able to carry all of us, from different backgrounds, communities, and religions. Nobody needs to leave for someone else to come in. If anyone ever doubted that, now we have a broad-based government. Everybody is here, and bado haijajaa,” he said.
He also assured the Nubian community of their rightful place in Kenyan society, promising their formal recognition as a Kenyan community by either Madaraka Day or Jamhuri Day.
He also addressed concerns about the integration of religious education within the national curriculum. He acknowledged that delays in mainstreaming religious education had persisted for too long and vowed to take action.
“We will continue to look at the issues raised here—how we can mainstream religious education and find a nexus between religious and formal education. This has taken too long, and there is absolutely no reason for it,” he added.
This is in connection with his decision to work with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
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