Muslim leaders in Uasin Gishu County have called for national unity, peaceful coexistence, urgent investigations into the increasing cases of school fires, and prayers for adequate rainfall as they marked the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1448 AH.

The leaders made the appeal during a special prayer gathering held at Asis Hotel in Eldoret, where hundreds of Muslim faithful, religious scholars, community leaders, and professionals came together to usher in the new Islamic calendar year. The event provided an opportunity for reflection on the state of the nation, spiritual renewal, and discussions on the social and economic challenges currently facing Kenyans.

Addressing the congregation, Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) North Rift Chairman Abubakar Bin said the country is going through difficult times that require both divine intervention and collective action from citizens and leaders alike.

He noted that while Kenya has recently experienced encouraging rainfall in some parts of the country, there remains a need for continued prayers and responsible stewardship of resources to ensure food security and economic stability.

“The rains we have received are a blessing from God, and we must continue praying while also working together to solve our problems. Prayer alone is not enough; we must complement it with action, accountability, and unity as a nation,” said Abubakar.

He urged Kenyans to embrace tolerance and understanding despite political, ethnic, and religious differences, emphasizing that national cohesion remains critical in overcoming the country's challenges.

Rising School Fires a National Concern

A major concern raised during the gathering was the growing number of fire incidents reported in schools across the country.

Abubakar expressed alarm over the trend, saying the destruction of school infrastructure and learning materials is negatively affecting the education sector and causing anxiety among parents, students, and teachers.

“We need deeper investigations to establish why one fire incident is often followed by similar cases in other schools. Authorities must identify the real causes and take decisive action to protect our learners and educational institutions,” he said.

He called on security agencies, school administrators, parents, and education stakeholders to work together to identify underlying factors contributing to the fires and develop sustainable solutions.

His remarks come amid increasing concern from education stakeholders following a series of fire outbreaks that have destroyed dormitories, classrooms, and other facilities worth millions of shillings, disrupting learning activities in several schools across the country.

The religious leader warned that if the issue is not addressed comprehensively, it could undermine efforts to improve education standards and create safe learning environments for students.

Role of Religious Institutions in Moral Development

Jamii Mosque cleric Sheikh Abdikadir emphasized the critical role played by religious institutions in nurturing responsible citizens and instilling moral values among young people.

He observed that many of the challenges affecting schools and society today stem from declining moral standards and a weakening of traditional guidance structures.

“Religious institutions have a role in guiding young people and promoting discipline in schools. We must strengthen moral teachings and support efforts aimed at nurturing responsible and productive citizens,” he said.

The cleric urged parents to take a more active role in their children's upbringing while encouraging schools to work closely with religious organizations in promoting ethical behavior and respect for authority.

Sheikh Abdikadir further appealed to both protesters and security agencies to respect places of worship during demonstrations and political activities.

“Mosques, churches, and other places of worship should remain sanctuaries for prayer, peace, and community service. They should never become targets during protests or political confrontations,” he said.

Leaders Urged to Put Country First

Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya representative Rajab Kipkorir Salah challenged political leaders to rise above partisan interests and prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens.

He said political competition should not create divisions among Kenyans or distract leaders from addressing pressing issues such as unemployment, education, healthcare, and food security.

“Political differences should not divide citizens. Leaders must work together for peace, justice, and development. Kenya's progress depends on our ability to coexist peacefully and focus on issues that affect ordinary wananchi,” said Rajab.

He noted that while democracy allows diverse opinions and political affiliations, national unity should remain the guiding principle for all leaders.

Rajab urged politicians to exercise restraint in their public statements and avoid rhetoric that could inflame tensions or deepen divisions within communities.

Parents Must Take Responsibility

Retired teacher Azizi Ndamwe Wakoli linked some of the disciplinary challenges being witnessed in schools to inadequate parental guidance and weakening family structures.

According to Wakoli, many parents have become less involved in their children's lives, leaving schools to shoulder responsibilities that traditionally belonged to families and communities.

“Parents have a critical responsibility in shaping the character of their children. Schools cannot succeed alone. There must be closer cooperation between families, educational institutions, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies,” he said.

He emphasized that restoring discipline among learners requires a collective approach involving all stakeholders, including teachers, counselors, community leaders, and religious organizations.

Wakoli also encouraged parents to spend more quality time with their children, understand the challenges they face, and provide mentorship that helps them make responsible decisions.

Prayers for Rain and Economic Stability

The leaders also dedicated part of the gathering to prayers for favorable weather conditions, recognizing the importance of rainfall to Kenya's agricultural economy.

They noted that many communities continue to depend on farming and livestock keeping for their livelihoods, making stable weather patterns crucial for food production and household incomes.

The leaders prayed for sufficient rainfall across the country, expressing hope that improved agricultural output would help reduce food insecurity and ease the high cost of living affecting many families.

“Rain is a gift from Allah. When our farms produce enough food, families thrive, businesses grow, and the nation becomes stronger,” one of the clerics said during the prayers.

New Islamic Year Brings Hope

As Muslims around the world ushered in the Islamic New Year 1448 AH, the gathering concluded with special prayers for peace, national cohesion, responsible leadership, stable learning environments, economic prosperity, and the well-being of all Kenyans.

The leaders encouraged Muslims to use the new year as an opportunity for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and renewed commitment to serving humanity.

They expressed optimism that the new Islamic year would usher in hope, stronger unity among communities, and lasting solutions to the challenges facing the nation.

“Every new year presents an opportunity for renewal. We pray that Allah grants our leaders wisdom, our youth guidance, our farmers abundant harvests, and our nation lasting peace,” Abubakar said.

The event ended with prayers for Kenya's future, with participants expressing confidence that through faith, unity, and collective responsibility, the country can overcome its current challenges and build a more prosperous and harmonious society.