"Msilete Mwanamke Hapa": Duale Warns Chief Justice Against Appointing a Female Chief Khadhi

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale has warned Chief Justice Martha Koome against appointing a female Chief Kadhi. 

Duale vowed to resist any attempts to install a woman into the position, arguing that the function of Kadhi is not a woman’s role as per the Islamic religion. He stated that Islam as a religion has placed women in high esteem with clearly defined roles by each gender.

“We will not accept women Kadhi. It is not found anywhere in the Holy Quran or the teaching of the Prophet. Islam has a special place for women. We have been taught the roles they can perform and roles they cannot perform,” Duale stated.

The former leader of the majority in the National Assembly further reprimanded the current Chief Kadhi Sheikh Muhdhar for welcoming the idea of naming a woman to the position. Muhdhar opined that anyone who studied Sharia law can be Kadhi irrespective of their gender.

A section of female activists initiated the debate with calls to have women Kadhis in the country.  They noted that the appointment of Koome as the Chief Justice has emboldened their resolve to go for the position of the Chief Kadhi.

The activists argued that female scholars are needed at the helm of Kadhi’s court to handle marital and other cases.

But Duale insists Muslims should be left to decide on their fate, noting that they supported the 2010 constitution for two reasons, the Kadhi’s court, and devolution.

“We wanted to run our affairs when it comes to marriage, divorce, and inheritance in accordance with the Holy Quran and teaching of the prophet. Just because Martha Koome is Chief Justice, we will not allow women Kadhis,” he stated.

“Do not interfere with how the Muslim religion is run in this country the same way we will not interfere with the Christian faith. We must respect religious leaders if you want Kenya to be a good country.”