SUPKEM National Chairman Al-Hajj Hassan ole Naado/FILE
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has condemned Friday's attack on All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, terming it an unacceptable display of political intolerance.
SUPKEM has further warned against a repeat of the tensions that preceded the 2008 post-election violence.
In a statement issued on Monday, SUPKEM national chairman Hassan Ole Naado expressed outrage over the disruption of a post-budget analysis meeting that was underway at the cathedral on June 12.
The Muslim body said it was particularly concerned by the manner in which the attackers stormed the church compound and allegedly targeted participants attending the meeting.
"What is most troubling is the boldness with which assailants stormed the meeting room, intent on inflicting serious harm on participants," the statement said.
SUPKEM further said the attack on a place of worship raised concerns over religious freedom and political tolerance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"As the representative body for Muslims in Kenya, we view the attack on All Saints Cathedral as an unacceptable infringement on religious freedom, driven by intolerant political agendas," the organisation said.
The council called for swift investigations and prosecution of those responsible, saying available CCTV footage could aid investigators in identifying the perpetrators.
"Thanks to modern technology, CCTV footage of the incident provides substantial evidence for police investigators to pursue those responsible and hold them accountable," SUPKEM said.
The organisation also urged political leaders and supporters to exercise restraint as the country heads towards the 2027 polls.
"We also urge political tolerance and restraint as we approach the 2027 elections to avoid a repeat of the political turmoil that led to the 2008 violence," the statement added.
The remarks come days after a group of individuals reportedly disrupted a post-budget review meeting at the cathedral attended by civil society leaders, religious figures, lawyers and members of the public.
The meeting had been convened following the presentation of the 2026/27 national budget to discuss its implications on ordinary Kenyans.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers responded promptly after receiving reports of the disturbance and managed to restore order at the scene.
"Upon receiving reports of the disturbance, police officers responded promptly to the scene. They successfully repulsed the group, restored order, and secured the area. Two suspects were apprehended and are currently in police custody," NPS said in a statement.
Police said investigations are ongoing, including a review of CCTV footage to identify and arrest other individuals linked to the incident.
The service appealed to members of the public with information to assist investigators through police stations and designated reporting channels.
NPS further assured Kenyans that the matter would be handled "thoroughly, professionally, transparently, and impartially" to ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
SUPKEM warned that failure to take decisive action against those responsible could embolden similar attacks on other religious institutions.
"If swift action is not taken against those responsible, there is nothing to prevent these assailants and their backers from targeting other religious institutions," the organisation said.
The council reiterated its call for transparent investigations and accountability, saying the country must not return to the divisions that nearly pushed it into crisis nearly two decades ago.
