Scholars and preachers denounce the release of drug dealers

MUSLIM clerics yesterday matched to the Mombasa Law courts protesting alleged corruption at the law courts. The clerics accused some of the judicial officers of abetting the illegal drugs trade at the Coast by releasing known drug barons and convicted peddlers. "It is annoying to see some of the corrupt judicial officers in Mombasa release drug barons and peddlers who have been convicted to serve 20 years in jail," Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya organizing secretary Sheikh Khalifa Mohamed said.

The clerics disrupted traffic along the Makadara Road as they matched through Nkrumah Road into Treasury Square before camping outside the law courts. They chanted slogans with declarations of 'Takbir! Allahu Akbar!' resonating through the streets. They said they have unsuccessfully complained to chief justice Willy Mutunga among other officers.

The religious leaders said the drugs menace is a serious problem that requires cooperation among the judicial staff, police and the public. Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Hassan Omar said they will write to the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board and reveal the names of the notorious judges at the Mombasa High Court. "A few weeks ago, six people who had been sentenced to 25 years in jail each, were released after they took their case to the Court of Appeal. There are particular judges whom we will name later that have cases taken to them even when they are on leave," Sheikh Khalifa said.