Kenya Muslims Criticize Hijab Ban
The court ruled on Friday that Muslim girls at St Paul Kiwanjani Secondary School should not wear the veil and trousers since they violate the institution’s regulations, The Star reported.
Nominated MCA Farida Salim said the constitution is very clear on freedom of speech and worship.
She said nobody should be forced to do something which is against their beliefs and religion.
Salim was speaking at Kisumu Girls’ Secondary School on Saturday during a workshop attended by more than 256 Muslim students from primary and secondary schools.
She said the hijab symbolizes culture and peace.
Salim said the High Court erred in its ruling.
“God’s given rights should not be taken away and we must be tolerant because we do not want this country to be polarized along religious lines,” she said.
The MCA said both Christians and Muslims have condemned the ruling.
Acting speaker Gabriel Ochieng said Islam and its beliefs should be upheld.
He said Kenyans should live together as one.
The Methodist Church, which sponsors the school, challenged the decision by the county education office to permit hijab and white trousers.
The church said it creates disparity among students.
