NAIROBI– Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has expressed his appreciation to President William Samoei Ruto for staying true to his promise of addressing the long-standing legal issues affecting the Muslim community in Kenya.
In a statement, Duale commended the President’s leadership, noting that the commitment made to the Muslim community was no mere promise, but one that is now being acted upon.
He highlighted that under the leadership of Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, the government had assured the community that the legal challenges facing them would be resolved within months a commitment that is now becoming a reality.
“We extend our gratitude to His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto for his unwavering commitment to the Muslim community. He has not only kept his promise but has also ensured decisive action is being taken,” said Duale.
Attorney General Dorcas Oduor appointed five members for the commission via a Gazette notice dated March 28, 2025.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7(1) of the Waqf Act, the Attorney General appoints- Jahawir Keinan Hassan, Al-Hajji Hassan Kirua ole Naado, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome Asmani, Sheikh Abdala Ibrahim Ateka and Sumayya Hassan to be Members of the selection panel for the appointment of Members of the Waqf Commission, for the purpose of nominating suitable candidates for appointment as members of Waqf commission,” read the notice.
One of the key milestones in this process, as noted by the Health CS, is the establishment of a selection panel tasked with appointing members of the Waqf Commission. This marks a crucial step toward resolving the long-standing stalemate in managing Islamic endowments in Kenya.
The Waqf Commission is responsible for the administration of charitable assets and the management of Islamic endowments, playing a vital role in addressing legal concerns that have hindered progress for years.
The recent development signals an effort to streamline processes and ensure proper governance, paving the way for better management of resources intended for the benefit of the community.
Duale emphasized that this step is an indication of the government’s resolve to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in the handling of such significant assets, which have been under dispute for many years. With this new development, the Muslim community can expect a more structured and effective framework for managing their charitable and religious assets.
“This is a milestone for the Muslim community and a testament to the government’s dedication to resolving issues that have been unresolved for far too long,” Duale concluded.
We extend our gratitude to H.E. President @WilliamsRuto for staying true to his commitment to the Muslim community.
He had assured that, under the leadership of Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, the long-standing legal challenges affecting the community would be resolved within… pic.twitter.com/jy5dmibGyn
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) March 29, 2025
The appointment of the Waqf Commission members is expected to bring an end to the legal gridlock, opening up avenues for greater progress in managing Islamic charitable organizations in Kenya. This move has been widely praised for its potential to strengthen the relationship between the government and the Muslim community, ensuring the proper administration of valuable community assets.
The Muslim community, along with other stakeholders, will be watching keenly as the Waqf Commission begins its work under the new framework established by the government.
Speaking at an Iftar dinner at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto assured the Muslim community that the issues surrounding Waqf would soon be resolved under the current Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor.
“I had a problem with the AG who was there before, he was fairly incompetent. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I can assure you that the issues of Waqf will be sorted out within months,” the President said on Tuesday.
Ruto’s remarks were in response to concerns raised by Muslim leaders who had attended the state Iftar dinner over delays in operationalising the endowment fund despite an existing Act (Waqf Act, 2022).
