During a solidarity event for Palestine at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar voiced his strong disapproval of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s decision to gazette the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation.
The gathering, organised by the Muslim community, became a stage for Omar to speak about the frustrations many Muslims feel over the government’s approach to such sensitive matters.
“I saw my brother gazette the Muslim organisation as a terrorist group. In my view, I do not share that position,” Omar said.
“If anything, I believe we as Muslims should instead consider gazetting the Zionist State of Israel as a terrorist organisation.”
His words drew attention to the wider debate around Israel’s actions in Palestine, which many Muslims globally view as oppressive.
Omar urged the government to review Kenya’s foreign policy and shift its focus towards building stronger alliances with the Muslim world rather than strengthening ties with Israel.
He pointed out that Kenya’s long-term interests lie more with Muslim nations.
“Let’s look for a way to influence Kenya’s policy on Israel,” he added.
“We should ensure that we do not engage in any business with Israel. Kenya has more strategic interests in the Muslim world than it does in Israel.”
Murkomen, however, had already taken a firm step by gazetting both the Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb-ur-Tahrir under the Prevention of Terrorism Order of 2025.
The gazette notice, issued on September 19, stated that the orders would remain in place indefinitely unless revoked by him or overturned by a court.
This move has sparked wide debate in both political and religious circles. Supporters view it as an important step in safeguarding Kenya’s security, while critics see it as unfairly targeting Muslim organisations.
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, is a powerful movement that combines Islamic revivalism with political and social activism.
Though it presents itself as peaceful, critics argue that it has encouraged extremist ideologies and destabilised societies. Several countries, including some Muslim-majority nations, have banned it for this reason.
In Kenya, being declared a terrorist organisation comes with serious consequences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2012.
Such groups are banned, their assets frozen, and anyone found supporting them whether financially, logistically, or ideologically can face criminal charges.
The decision has therefore placed Kenya at the centre of a sensitive debate. While Murkomen argues it is necessary for national security, Omar insists that it alienates the Muslim community and undermines Kenya’s diplomatic balance.
The issue is likely to remain a point of contention as Kenya navigates the complex space between counterterrorism policies and international relations.
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