Njiru Imam in Police Custody After Mosque Leadership Dispute Turns Violent
NAIROBI, Kenya
A senior Imam in Nairobi’s Njiru area is facing serious charges after allegedly stabbing two individuals inside Taqwa Mosque during a fierce leadership tussle. The incident, which unfolded just after prayers, has shocked the local Muslim community and escalated already tense relations between two rival factions vying for control of the mosque.
Imam Mohamed Ibrahim Hussein, who leads one of the factions, is accused of attacking Ahmed Mohamed and Edin Adan following an argument over mosque ownership and leadership. The dispute stems from claims that the land on which the mosque sits was originally donated by Ahmed’s family.
“He pulled out a knife and stabbed me in the stomach and arm after accusing me of having the mosque keys,” said Ahmed Mohamed while receiving treatment at Mama Lucy Hospital.
Tensions Boil Over Despite Mediation Efforts
The stabbing occurred just minutes after a peace meeting involving both groups and Njiru sub-county officials. The meeting had resolved that the ongoing dispute be forwarded to SUPKEM (Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims) and Jamia Mosque for resolution.
“After barely two minutes, we received a distress message. A fight had erupted inside the mosque,” confirmed Njiru Police Commander John Owuoth. “The injured were rushed to hospital, and the suspect was arrested on the spot.”
Witnesses say the Imam claimed to be acting on a court order to evict the opposing group but took matters into his own hands violently, despite police presence in the area.
Recurring Violence Over Mosque Control
This is not the first time Imam Mohamed has been implicated in similar confrontations. In 2022, he was allegedly involved in a related assault on Adan Tall, who suffered head and arm injuries in a similar leadership scuffle.
“I was stabbed during the same kind of dispute two years ago. I filed a report at Kayole Police Station, but the suspects were later released,” Tall said.
The earlier case is still pending in court, raising concerns about repeated violence linked to unresolved mosque leadership issues in Njiru.
Call for Calm as Police Launch Investigation
Police have urged both factions to pursue peaceful conflict resolution and respect legal processes to prevent further bloodshed. The Imam remains in custody at Kayole Police Station and is set to appear in court on Tuesday.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring justice, warning that any acts of violence tied to religious disputes will be met with the full force of the law.
The case has highlighted the growing urgency for clear conflict mediation mechanisms in religious institutions to avoid such violent escalations in future.
