SUPKEM warns Coast politicians against dragging spouses and families into political feuds

SUPKEM warns Coast politicians against dragging spouses and families into political feuds

SUPKEM Coast Regional Coordinator Alhajj Khamis Akbar Mwaguzo said political platforms were increasingly being used to attack opponents rather than discuss development plans and issues affecting residents.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has urged politicians in Mombasa and across the Coast to stop dragging family members and spouses into political disputes, warning that personal attacks and insults are undermining public debate and threatening social cohesion.

SUPKEM Coast Regional Coordinator Alhajj Khamis Akbar Mwaguzo said political platforms were increasingly being used to attack opponents rather than discuss development plans and issues affecting residents.

He said some politicians had extended their attacks to the families and spouses of their rivals, a trend he described as unacceptable.

“Public platforms that should carry ideas, plans and hope have increasingly carried insults, slander and personal attacks. Sadly, some of these have even been directed at the families and spouses of fellow leaders,” he said.

Khamis said political competition was necessary in a democracy but should not come at the expense of other people's dignity.

He called on leaders to focus their campaigns on manifestos, development agendas and practical solutions instead of personal disputes.

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“Let us compete with manifestos, not with insults,” he said.

Khamis also warned that the conduct of political leaders could influence how young people engage in public affairs, saying those holding leadership positions should set an example through their words and actions.

“Leaders are role models. Our young people are listening and learning from what is said on our podiums,” he said.

He added, “If those we have trusted with leadership set an example of respect, our society will follow. If the opposite happens, the cost will be borne by all of us.”

The regional coordinator further urged politicians to reject tribalism, hatred and divisive rhetoric, saying such behaviour threatened unity among communities along the Coast.

He particularly appealed to Muslim politicians to reflect on the teachings of Islam, which prohibit insults, ridicule and offensive language.

SUPKEM also urged politicians to keep private family disputes away from public platforms and avoid turning personal disagreements into political confrontations.

The organisation appealed to the media to promote responsible political debate and give prominence to calls for peace and national cohesion.

“Our leaders are capable of better, and Kenyans deserve better,” Khamis said.