AG Dorcas Oduor sets up panel for Waqf Commission appointments

Attorney General Dorcas Oduor has constituted a five-member selection panel responsible for identifying suitable candidates to serve in the Waqf Commission.

This step aims to advance the implementation of the Waqf Act, 2022, which has faced setbacks since its passage.

The newly appointed panel consists of Jawahir Keinan Hassan, Al-Hajji Hassan Kirua ole Naado, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome Asmani, Sheikh Abdala Ibrahim Ateka, and Sumayya Hassan.

Their appointment, made under Section 7 (1) of the Waqf Act, replaces an earlier gazette notice issued in 2023.

Waqf involves assets whose incomes are dedicated to religious, educational, and social welfare purposes.

Although the law governing it was enacted in 2022, its implementation has been delayed, raising concerns among Muslim leaders.

The formation of the selection panel follows remarks by President William Ruto, who recently expressed dissatisfaction with former Attorney General Justin Muturi’s handling of Waqf matters.

Speaking during an Iftar dinner at State House, Nairobi, Ruto assured Muslim leaders that the issue would soon be resolved.

“I had a problem with the AG who was there before, he was fairly incompetent. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I can assure you that the issues of Waqf will be sorted out within months,” the President said.

In response, Muturi dismissed the criticism, stating that the Waqf Act does not establish a Muslim Endowment Fund.

He explained that Waqf is a personal religious or charitable initiative and is managed by the Waqf Commission.