Eldoret: Judge Wananda Dismisses Constitutional Petition Against Muslim Association Mosque Committee
Eldoret High Court Judge Justice Anuro Wananda has dismissed a constitutional petition challenging the leadership of the Registered Trustees Muslim Association Mosque Committee Eldoret.
The petitioner, Jamal Diriwo Omari, had sought the ouster of the current trustee members and an audit of the organization’s assets conducted by an independent body since 1990.
Diriwo alleged that the current trustee committee was mismanaging the association and its assets.
However, in his ruling, Justice Wananda stated that according to the association’s constitution, Diriwo was not a member and therefore lacked the standing to pursue such a constitutional petition.
“The petitioner is not a member of the respondent organization and therefore has no locus standi to bring this petition,” Justice Wananda stated.
The judge further ruled that each party was to bear their own costs.
Diriwo’s Response
Speaking to the media shortly after the ruling, Diriwo expressed his gratitude to the Muslim community for their support throughout the petition process. While he disagreed with the outcome, he urged Muslims to maintain peace and respect the court’s ruling.
“I respect the court’s ruling, although I disagree with it,” Diriwo stated. “I urge all Muslims to maintain peace and respect the court’s decision.”
Impact of the Ruling
The dismissal of the petition is a significant victory for the Registered Trustees Muslim Association Mosque Committee Eldoret. It is a clear affirmation of the organization’s leadership and its management of its assets.
The ruling also sends a message to other organizations that they need to ensure that their members have standing before pursuing legal action.