President William Ruto has acknowledged delays in addressing Waqf matters, blaming former Attorney General Muturi for incompetence. Speaking on March 25, Ruto assured the Muslim community that his administration, now with a competent AG, will resolve pending Waqf concerns.

“I agree with you; it has taken too long. There is no reason for the delay, and I had a problem with the AG who was there. He was fairly incompetent, but now I have a very competent lady, and I can assure you the issues of Waqf will be sorted out,” Ruto stated.

His remarks come amid clarifications by Attorney General Justin Muturi regarding the Waqf Act of 2022. Muturi emphasized that the law does not provide for a Muslim Endowment Fund, reaffirming that Waqf is strictly a religious and charitable endowment managed by the Waqf Commission.

“Under the Waqf Act of 2022, there’s no provision for a Muslim Endowment Fund. It must be understood that a waqf is a religious, charitable, or benevolent endowment by a person who professes the Muslim faith and is managed by the Waqf Commission,” Muturi stated on March 26.

The Waqf issue has been a subject of concern among Kenya’s Muslim community, with calls for clarity and proper management of religious endowments. Ruto’s assurance and Muturi’s legal explanation seek to address lingering concerns and pave the way for structured Waqf administration.

More developments on this issue are expected in the coming weeks as the government takes steps to implement necessary reforms.