The National Assembly has finally given a direction concerning a petition filed by Eldoret-based Muslim leader Jamal Diriwo Omari, who is seeking the removal of the current Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) leadership.
Diriwo filed the petition in August 2025.
In his petition, the Muslim leader noted that the manner in which SUPKEM handled the 2025 Hajj program eroded Kenyan Muslim confidence when it comes to matters of Hajj in the future, hence the need for the leadership under Hassan Ole Naado to be removed from office.
Will Parliament listen to the petition against SUPKEM?
In a letter to Diriwo confirming receipt of the petition, the clerk of the National Assembly said it has been referred to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
“In accordance with Article 95(2) of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to deliberate and resolve matters of concern to the people of Kenya, the issues raised in the petition relating to the conflicts within SUPKEM will be referred to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee,” read part of the letter signed by Jeremiah Ndombi on behalf of the Clerk of the National Assembly.
The letter is dated October 8, 2025.
In addition, the letter noted that the committee will have discretion to determine how it will handle the petition.
However, it noted that the National Assembly is limited in matters concerning the internal affairs of religious organisations, which SUPKEM falls under.
“The committee may, at its discretion, explore avenues for mediation and conciliation away from public scrutiny and formal court processes, should it deem such measures appropriate,” the National Assembly Clerk said.
What issues are facing SUPKEM?
In an interview with Uasin Gishu News on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Diriwo welcomed the directive provided by the National Assembly on his petition.
He challenged other Muslim leaders to join hands and ensure a lasting solution to leadership challenges facing SUPKEM.
“We must all work together and ensure issues around SUPKEM leadership and management are addressed and solved as soon as possible,” Omari said.
