Christians in Kenya say Islamic courts are not necessary but some unnamed Muslims in the east African country have been quoted as saying if such institutions are not in the constitution, they could break away and form their own state - writes Fredrick Nzwili.
Last week representatives of the two different faiths engaged in a shouting match in the coastal city of Mombasa.
They were putting their views to a group of experts at a hearing where a group of Muslims insisted that Islamic courts, known locally as Kadhis, should be included in a new constitution.
"The courts are not necessary since the current constitution gives individuals the right to religious preferences and worship," Anglican Bishop Julius Kalu of Mombasa said, while presenting views to the Committee of Experts on the Constitution Review.
Church leaders have, since 1991, when Kenya started a debate on writing a new constitution, protested against including the Islamic courts in the basic law. Currently one section of the constitution provides for a Chief Kadhi and Kadhi Courts and gives them powers to decide on personal legal issues between Muslims. Read more ...
Last week representatives of the two different faiths engaged in a shouting match in the coastal city of Mombasa.
They were putting their views to a group of experts at a hearing where a group of Muslims insisted that Islamic courts, known locally as Kadhis, should be included in a new constitution.
"The courts are not necessary since the current constitution gives individuals the right to religious preferences and worship," Anglican Bishop Julius Kalu of Mombasa said, while presenting views to the Committee of Experts on the Constitution Review.
Church leaders have, since 1991, when Kenya started a debate on writing a new constitution, protested against including the Islamic courts in the basic law. Currently one section of the constitution provides for a Chief Kadhi and Kadhi Courts and gives them powers to decide on personal legal issues between Muslims. Read more ...
Source: Ecumenical News International
H/T: Jihad Watch
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