Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said the hijab is mandatory for all Muslim women, citing Islamic teachings and the Quran.
Duale said the wearing of the hijab is a religious obligation for Muslim women and girls, pointing to Surah Al-Ahzab, Chapter 33, Verse 59, which instructs believing women to draw their outer garments over themselves.
Duale Cites Quran on Hijab
The Cabinet Secretary referred to the Quranic verse while explaining his position on the importance of hijab among Muslim women.
“O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies,” reads the verse.
According to Duale, the instruction demonstrates that hijab is not merely a cultural practice, but forms part of the religious obligations observed by Muslim women.
Duale has previously spoken in support of Muslim women and girls wearing hijab, particularly in public institutions and schools.
Duale Defends Muslim Women’s Rights
In December 2022, while addressing an Islamic gathering in Nairobi, he also spoke about the importance of respecting Muslim culture and religious practices.
He said Muslim women and girls should not be prevented from wearing hijab because of their faith.
“If you have a problem with our girls, wives and sisters wearing Hijab, and you are in Kenya, then you better leave this country because they will wear Hijab,” Duale said.
The statement attracted public debate, particularly over the role of religion in public institutions and whether government officials should comment on religious obligations.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) defended Duale, saying his comments should be understood as support for Muslim women’s freedom to observe their religion.
Hijab Debate in Kenya
Kenya’s Constitution protects freedom of conscience, religion, belief and opinion under Article 32. The provision gives every person the right to practice, observe, or manifest their religion subject to the constitutional framework.
In February 2026, a Grade 10 student at St Mary’s Lwak Girls High School in Siaya County was sent home after a dispute over her right to wear the hijab.
Samira Ramadhan, who joined the school in January 2026, reportedly faced restrictions over her religious attire after initially being allowed to attend school wearing the hijab.
According to parliamentary proceedings, the matter was raised after she was forced to stop her studies over the dispute.
National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee directed the Ministry of Education to ensure Samira’s immediate return to school.
Garissa County Woman Representative Amina Udgoon Siyad raised the matter before the committee, describing the incident as religious discrimination.
Former Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok confirmed that Samira was out of school and ordered that she be allowed to return. He said learners were protected from discrimination on grounds of religion and faith.
A similar controversy emerged in June 2025 involving two church‑sponsored schools in Matungu Sub‑County, Mwira Secondary School and St. Agnes Girls Secondary, which were accused of sending home Muslim girls for wearing hijabs.
National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF) in Western Kenya condemned the actions as unconstitutional and a violation of the learners’ rights, stating that such actions violated the very spirit of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees equality, non‑discrimination, and freedom of religion.
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