This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
On March 13, the coronavirus pandemic was first reported in Kenya, leading to the closure of places of worship for close to three months.
However, on July 14, 2020, hundreds of Muslims in Mombasa attended midday prayers for the first time after mosques reopened, following new guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Only a handful of mosques in Mombasa County reopened, including Masjid Musa in Majengo, where worshippers were required to maintain social distancing, wash their hands, and wear face masks.
Worshippers' temperatures were also taken as they walked into the mosque, and under-age and elderly members were asked to return home.
After accessing the mosques, the faithful were required to have their masks on throughout the prayer session, and were not allowed to exceed 100 in their congregational prayers.
Under the new protocols issued by the government, worshippers were also encouraged to carry their own prayer mats going forward, while mosques will be fumigated regularly.
However, toilets will remain closed, and the faithful will be required to take ablution from their homes.
Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) national vice chair Muhdhar Hitamy said the new guidelines are under trial before being validated by the Interfaith Council.
Sheikh Hitamy noted that it is not mandatory for the mosques to reopen under the new guidelines, and that worshippers can opt out if they think they cannot follow all the required protocols.
