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MOMBASA. — Gunmen in the Kenyan port city of Mombasa yesterday shot dead an influential moderate Muslim cleric who was a vocal opponent of the radical preachings of Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shebaab insurgents, police said.
Mohamed Idris (64), chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, was shot in the stomach shortly before dawn as he headed to prayers at a mosque, Mombasa police chief Robert Kitur said.
Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa said it was a drive-by shooting, with unknown gunmen firing from a motorbike.
“They shot him in the abdomen and he was pronounced dead at the hospital,” Marwa said. Idris was chairman of a key mosque that was recently taken over by radical youths, and according to press reports he had been accused of helping the authorities. The preacher had said he feared for his life.
“There was a power struggle at Sakina mosque — where he was supposed to be installed as a sheikh — between his supporters and another radical group opposed to him,” Kitur added.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned the late Sheikh Idris, describing him as a committed religious leader who stood for what was good for the country.
In his message of condolence, President Kenyatta said he was saddened to learn that Sheikh Idris was shot dead as he left the mosque. He assured that the Government will do all it can to bring the killers to book.
“In this hour of sorrow, and on behalf of the people and government of Kenya, I convey my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Muslim Community, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, the family and friends of the late Sheikh Idris,” President Kenyatta said.
The President observed that the late Sheikh Idris led a life of simplicity and service, aided by the teachings of the Holy Quran, his strong character and independent mind.
“Sheikh Idris was at the forefront in the fight against the radicalisation of the youth and therefore his death is a big blow to the country’s efforts to stop religious extremism,” the President said.
He commended the late Sheikh Idris for promoting peace and understanding between Kenyans of different faiths.
“I join the Muslim community in mourning a great religious leader whose exemplary service calls for emulation by others,” Kenyatta said.
The president said the late Sheikh Idris has left an indelible mark on the lives of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. — AFP/standardmedia.co.ke
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