Sheikh Mohamed Idris, chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya. Photo: Daily Nation
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 10 – The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) Chairman Sheikh Mohammed Idris has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in Likoni area of Mombasa.
Idris was the chairman of Sakina Mosque in Mombasa that was recently taken over by radical youths.
Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa said that Idris was shot by gunmen on a motorcycle and that investigations are still ongoing.
“Idris was going to morning prayers just a few meters from his house. Unknown people in a motorbike shot him in the abdomen and he was pronounced dead on arrival at Pandya Private Hospital,” he said.
His brother Ali Idris has demanded for thorough investigations to be undertaken though he has not blamed anyone for the killing.
“We are calling for calm and patience as we wait for the government to carry out investigations. We cannot carry out any revenge. God will pay the killers,” he stated.
CIPK treasurer Sheikh Hassan Omar also condemned the attack and asked the government to assure them of security as they carry out their duties.
“It is premature to blame anybody for this attack but it is upon the government to investigate what happened. We still fear for our lives,” he said.
Idris has left behind four wives and 25 children.
He is among Muslim clerics who opposed radical teachings within mosques.
Idris opposed the alleged Jihad teaching saying they are being misinterpreted by the youths.
He always urged the government to arrest the key financiers and radical preachers using innocent youths for their own interest, saying Islam religion is peaceful and does not propagate for violence.