This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
Deputy President William Ruto has reached out to the Muslim community ahead of Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of following health guidelines and protocols to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 21, 2020, Ruto met with Muslim leaders at his Karen residence, including the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) leadership, led by Chairman Hassan Naado and Secretary-General Amb. Mohamed Mahat.
As Ramadan approaches, Ruto acknowledged the role of religious institutions in complementing government efforts in the health sector, citing SUPKEM's significant contribution in the fight against COVID-19.
"As Ramadan approaches, we urge the Muslim Faithful to adhere to health experts' guidelines and protocols as we face the Coronavirus pandemic. We acknowledge the role religious institutions play in complementing government efforts in the health sector; in particular, we salute the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) for its dominant contribution in the fight against the COVID-19," Ruto said.
During the meeting, Ruto also highlighted the importance of adhering to government regulations, including curfews and social distancing orders, to limit the spread of COVID-19.
However, the Muslim community had requested to extend curfew hours, but Health CS Mutahi Kagwe declined, citing an incident in Nairobi's Eastleigh where a cleric who died from Coronavirus had flouted government directives.
