Kenya's Muslims Council threatens to denounce Tourism CS over remarks on Shisha ban

david nganga

January 31, 2018 1:44 PM

The CS last week said the ban on Shisha was miscalculated

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) has condemned the latest remarks made by Tourism CS Najib Balala over Shisha ban in the country.

While addressing the press in Mombasa on Tuesday, Supkem's Mombasa County chairman Ali Said said the CS; comments were misleading. He added that the statement promoted "stripping in clubs" in a "sinful" town.

Last week, Balala criticised government agencies for "frustrating" investors with the ban on the importation, manufacture, sale and use of shisha. He argued the decision would affect the tourism sector.

"...I'm sorry to say that even the ban of shisha ... you don't just wake up... the whole world has shisha. Why are you banning it in Kenya?" he said on Saturday in Mombasa.

Apology

The officials gave him a week to apologise and retract or they will organise demonstrations against him and advice all mosques to denounce him.

Supkem's Mombasa general secretary Khalfan Ali said Balala has prioritised material wealth over health, moral and Islamic teachings adding that it was a dangerous precedence by a leader of his calibre.

Ali added that Supkem has been fighting drug abuse so Balala's statement punctures their effort. Shisha is classified as a drug.

"Smoking it encourages vigilante groups, drop-outs and crime," the official said when the two addressed the press at their offices.

"Muslim community leaders and Coast natives are so saddened by his comment that shisha provides revenue. This unexpected of him, being a national leader with Muslim face.

david nganga