24 March 2011
Nairobi — Imams and preachers in Isiolo have denied claims that four mosques in the area were used for recruiting youths for al-Shabaab.
Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Isiolo branch chairman Mohamed Abdikadir led the leaders in condemning the allegations, terming them as falsehoods.
They demanded an immediate apology from the US government and warned against such allegations in future.
“It is unfortunate that US officials can mislead their government and the world by reporting such baseless claims against a religious centre,” Mr Abdikadir said.
The chairman wants the US ambassador to Kenya to visit Isiolo to ascertain the truth about such allegations.
“We fear that the government might take action on innocent Kenyans on baseless claims by the foreigners,” said Mr Abdikadir.
The leaked cables state that four mosques in Isiolo, Masjid Hidaya, Masjid Taqwa in Bula Odha and two other unnamed mosques located in the county were responsible for recruiting fighters for the militia group.
Al-Shabaab insurgents have been fighting to oust the Federal Transitional Government of Somalia.
However, TFG soldiers backed by Ethiopian government troops have flashed the insurgents from towns such as Bulahawa, Lugg, Boru Ache and Dobley since two weeks ago when renewed fighting started.
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Kenya: Imams Deny U.S. Claims On Isiolo Mosques