It is understandable that the Muslim community in Kenya felt threatened and undermined after such a brazen attack on their faith. Abdullah Al Faisal is a globally recognized teacher of Islam whose Islamic extremist tendencies have led him to jail in the United Kingdom and on the terror watch list with the likes of Osama Bin Laden.
That he has tremendous influence is not a debatable issue but his humanity is questionable. Respect for peace and human life is important and he sort of ignored this fact when he, even from behind bars let Muslim youth go into the streets in demonstration. This led to multiple deaths and hospitalization not to mention the losses in revenue for business people who had to close up and damages.
It is also noteworthy to point out that while Al Faisal was in the country, the Muslim community which was always projected a near familial front-was torn into two; one side charging up youth to go and fight in the streets while the other urged them to stay away from the violence.
Al Faisal was like a bad spirit trailed by chaos in his wake when he got into Kenya. The question remains as to why there were no incidents in Angola, Mozambique, Swaziland, Malawi, Tanzania and Nigeria which he all passed through before coming to Kenya. May be it is our past experiences and proximity to Somalia which is a haven for terrorists. He was also accused of allegedly influencing the youth to support the al shaabab.
The repurcussions of his being in Kenya were felt far and wide which even led to the suspension of two immigration officials and the putting of Hon. Otieno Kajwang under fire as the minister for immigrations. The state as thus decided to deport the cleric but this was a tedious task after the ruckus that he caused –even countries where he came through denied him access- this was after it was revealed that he was on the international terror watchlist. Even airlines declined his presence in their crafts. It was only after serious negotiations, half a million dollars and a gulf stream later was he finally a safe distance away from Kenya.
It is food for thought and thought for life for Kenyans, the youth especially to restrain from being used irresponsibly by people whom they call their leaders. Life, whether one or a million is invaluable and I find the idea of using human life as collateral to a “higher purpose” most disturbing.
