A highly anticipated public participation forum on the reopening of Darul Irshad Charitable Trust – Nguluni Centre (Kithimani Mosque) ended in discontent, with locals expressing frustration over the lack of a clear resolution.
The meeting, held on at Tala-Kithimani Shopping Center, was chaired by Kyanzavi ACC Carol Kathambi, who represented Deputy County Commissioner Evelyn Wekesa.
However, tensions flared after participants were not informed of the final decision regarding the fate of the Islamic education center, which has remained closed since the government shut it down in 2014.
“We wanted to go home knowing whether the institution will be reopened. We don’t want to receive results we did not discuss,” said a local, echoing the sentiments of many.
The closure of the institution has remained a contentious issue, with some residents questioning the reasons behind the initial shutdown.
Others, however, insisted that the government must have had valid concerns and warned against reopening the center.
“The government must have seen that it was not fit to be here, so we cannot allow it to be reopened again. We might be bringing a ticking time bomb into our peaceful village,” argued one resident.
Even among those open to its return, conditions were placed on its revival. Some locals demanded a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to outline how the community would benefit from the institution if it were to be reinstated.
Matungulu West MCA Raphael Nzau Lucky voiced his disappointment, saying the failure to provide clear results only deepened divisions between Christians and Muslims in the area.
“This process lacked clarity and openness. Public participation should be about engaging the people and listening to their voices first because the people hold sovereign power,” Lucky stated.
“We have lived with our Muslim brothers in peace for decades and the discussion today was not about religion but trying to find a solution that will favor the community,” he added.
Assistant County Commissioner Kathambi said that everything spoken at the meeting has been recorded and will be taken into consideration before a decision is made.
She however failed to address the media and left when the crowd began being rowdy.
