Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has lauded the translation of The Holy Quran from Arabic to Kalenjin terming it a major milestone in entrenching cohesion and ecumenism.
Mandago spoke at an Eldoret hotel during the pre-launch-cum-unveiling of the first draft of the holy book in Kalenjin as translated by Sheikh Suleiman Sugoi, a resident of Uasin Gishu County.
“The biggest challenge to understanding Islam has been the language barrier. This translation makes it way easier to understand the ways and religion of our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Mandago said.
The governor also thanked the North Rift Muslim leadership for working closely with the political leadership in ensuring peace and cohesion amongst communities.
While thanking the translation for his 20- year work, the county boss asked the local universities to adopt the text as an academic publication and award Sheikh Sugoi an honorary doctorate degree.
Speaking at the event, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Chairman Al Haj Hassan Ole Naado said the Holy Quran contains all teachings of life and touches on culture, law, leadership as well as peace, and cohesion. This is why peace is central to Islam as a way of life.
Following Sheikh Sugoi’s initial translation, the work will now be subjected to editorial scrutiny for grammar and context before finally being launched as an officially adopted Holy Quran translation in the Kalenjin language.
