State the role played by Muslims in the political development of Kenya since independence.

KCSE IRE Paper 2 2015 Question 6(c) with Answers.

(c) State the role played by Muslims in the political development of Kenya since independence. (6 marks)

Role played by Muslims in the political development of Kenya since independence

1. Muslims in Kenya take an active role in the voting process to determine the kind of leaders in the country - from the president to the ward representatives
2. Some Muslims have presented themselves as candidates for various elective posts - the most recent one being that of Mwalimu Dida who vied as a presidential candidate and emerged 4th overall in 2013 elections
3. Muslims have been elected as governors, assistant governors, senators, women representatives e.g. Hassan Joho - Governor of Mombasa, Hassan Omar and Boy Juma Boy - Senators for Mombasa and Kwale respectively
4. The government has also appointed various Muslims to head key positions in the country e.g. Balala as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Dr. Mohammed Swazuri as Chairman of Land Commission, Issac Hassan as IEBC chairman, Ambassador Amina Mohammed as cabinet secretary for Foreign Affairs
5. Some wealthy Muslims finance the political campaigns of individual candidates and political parties
6. Muslims take an active role in constitutional making process by giving their views, voting in the referendum and expressing their opinion as pertinent constitutional matters through the media
7. Muslims are also active in championing for political and human rights reforms through the establishment of civic organizations such as Muslims for human rights (MUHURI)
8. Muslims have opposed forces as citizens of the country, that were seen as depriving them of their fundamental rights e.g. inheritance bill and Kadhis courts.
9. They play an active role in party politics, many leaders try to secure the votes of the Muslim as a block. Muslims have even tried to register a political party e.g. IPK. Some Muslims are key leaders in political parties e.g. Adan Duale in TNA and Hassan Omar in Wiper Party

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