Raila proposes international resort to protect historic Kongo Mosque

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has weighed in on the ongoing land-grabbing allegations involving the historic Kongo Mosque.

The Orange Democratic Movement Party chief is urging the Muslim community in Kwale County to consider building a luxury resort to protect the land from encroachment.

While speaking at the mosque on Sunday, Odinga encouraged the community to explore ideas from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, where Islamic conference centers are common.

"I have discussed with my team, and we propose creating two Waqfs: one for Kongo Mosque and another for the Kwale Islamic Centre, which will encompass the entire surrounding land. The titles will be held under these two funds," he explained.

"To safeguard the land from being taken, we should have several individuals contribute funds to establish the Kwale International Islamic Conference and Holiday Resort. This will allow people to attend conferences and holidays, with the proceeds benefiting the local community."

He stated that this approach would effectively protect the land from corrupt individuals who have resorted to bribing judges to achieve their goals.

He revealed that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had been tasked with investigating judicial bribery.

"They used underhanded tactics to secure this ruling," Raila remarked.

"The courts should not have issued such a verdict without following the proper procedures, and the EACC will help us uncover the corruption behind it."

The proposed sale of a 16-acre plot in Kwale, home to the historic Kongo Mosque, has triggered public outcry. The mosque, valued at Ksh1.4 billion, has been at the center of a heated dispute, prompting political leader Odinga to intervene.

Accompanied by his attorney, Paul Mwangi, Odinga visited the mosque and expressed his commitment to addressing the matter. He vowed to pursue legal action, stating,

"We will take this case to court next week. The individuals involved in this are corrupt and malicious, but sadly, such issues are not new to this community."

The potential sale of the land to a private developer could threaten the future of the mosque, one of East Africa's oldest coral-stone structures.

Constructed by Persian merchants, this structure dates back to the 14th century.

It was re-discovered approximately 300 years ago by Sheikh Mwinyi Kombo.

In 1983, it was formally recognized as a national monument in acknowledgment of its cultural and historical significance.