SUPKEM leaders addressing the media. [Photo/Nation]
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) election which was supposed to be conducted on Monday, October 16, has been pushed to October 23, 2017.
SUPKEM was founded in 1973 and acted as the umbrella body of Muslim community.
The council has not conducted any election for more than 16 years in what is said to be internal wrangles and other outside forces.
It’s said some team official wants to extend their terms in office.
Hassan ole Naado, the front runner for the secretary general position, launched his manifesto detailing how he plans to "reclaim the council's lost glory".
The organisation has been engaging the government on matters including policy but Ole Naado said it has been stuck with a conservative traditional culture.
"The culture has promoted the perception of exclusion and continues to cause an image crisis that has paved way for formation of splinter groups," he said.
The former Kuwait ambassador Mohammed Mahat, who is a diplomat at the Foreign Affairs ministry and Jubilee presidential campaign head in is eyeing the Deputy Secretary General post.
The former secretary general Adan Wachu has opted not to defend his seat
Ole Naado has pointed on the issue revolving Hajj mission which has seen the cost of pilgrimage plummet rise from Sh200,000 three years ago to over Sh500,000 today.
"We don't intend to disrupt private enterprises and investments but facilitate a mechanism for all Hajj agents to come together and establish a self-governance authority to set standards and enforce a code of conduct," he said.
Ole Naado also promised to conduct a census of Muslims and the education and health facilities they run, the aim being matching them with community demands.
He also plans to put Muslims on decision-making and negotiation tables on matters peace, security and national governance.