Kenya: Top court’s ruling on hijab disappoints Muslims

By Magdalene Mukami and Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenya’s top court on Thursday overruled a 2016 Court of Appeal ruling that allowed Muslim students to wear hijab at their schools.

In the ruling on the petition filed by the Methodist Church of Kenya against the verdict of the Court of Appeal, the supreme court said every school has a right to determine its own dress code.

Kenyans from all walks of life took to social media to express their disappointment on the ruling, especially as it comes after the country’s Ministry of Education allowed turbans in schools for students of different religions, which require head coverings, including Rastafarians.

"The church that talks about love your neighbors as you love yourself, peace, respect, and tolerance took the Muslims to court to force us not wear hijabs if we want to be part of their school community," Zahra Ubah, a student, said.

Mohamed Bamursal, a social activist, criticized the ruling, saying: "Totally out of order! This is against the tenets of our constitution. Freedom of worship, Hijab is an act of Worship. It's a wakeup call! Take your daughters to schools owned by Muslims!."

Michael Ouma, a Christian and an accountant by profession, told Anadolu Agency: "The appeal by the Church was not considerate of our Muslim brothers and sisters. This is interfering with the constitution, the freedom of worship, and that of religion. This is a sad day for democracy and for our country."