An Eldoret-based member of the Muslim community has petitioned the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) to intervene in what he terms as a persistent denial of access to critical public information by the Office of the Attorney General and the Registrar of Societies.
In a formal complaint, Jamal Diriwo Omari accuses the two offices of failing to provide detailed records regarding the registration status and leadership of two factions of the Muslim Association Mosque Committee in Eldoret—information he says is vital to resolving ongoing disputes within the local Muslim community.
Omari argues that despite formally requesting the information on March 2, 2026, authorities have not complied, prompting him to escalate the matter.
He is now seeking enforcement of his constitutional right to access information.
“We request your good office to take immediate and all necessary actions on our behalf to request the Office of the Attorney General and Registrar of Societies to facilitate us with full information,” he states in his letter to the Ombudsman seen by Uasin Gishu News.
Jamia Mosque Committee registration
The petitioner links the withheld information to deeper issues, including alleged fraud and forgery in the registration of one of the mosque committees, a matter he says has already been reported to police.
“That the said requested information will pave way to a full resolution among the Muslim communities… and pave way to pursue this matter… of fraud and forgery of registration before a high court of laws,” he notes.
Omari further cites provisions of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, 2016, insisting that public institutions are obligated to disclose such records.
“That we write to your offices as Kenyan citizens… entitled to access to information according to Article 35 of the Kenyan Constitution,” he says, adding that the law guarantees access to information held by the state where it is necessary for rights protection.
He also points to legal requirements for public bodies to proactively assist citizens in accessing information, emphasizing that designated officers should facilitate disclosure rather than hinder it.
“As per section 6, section 9 and section 14 of Access to Information Act, your designated information officers… ensure proactive disclosure and assisting citizens to obtain information in public offices,” the letter reads.
The dispute over Eldoret Jamia mosque leadership and registration has reportedly caused tension within sections of the Muslim community in Uasin Gishu County, with Omari expressing hope that transparency will help restore order and protect community assets.
The Ombudsman is yet to publicly respond to the complaint.
