Hassan Ole Naado has resigned as a member of the Muslim Endowment (Waqf) Commission Recruitment Panel, citing what he says is lack of progress.
In a letter addressed to Attorney General (AG) Dorcas Oduor, Naado says that expectations of all stakeholders and the Muslim community regarding the responsibility of the panel are significant, and delaying the process is a disservice to them.
The panel was constituted by AG Oduor to nominate qualified persons forthe appointment to the position of commissioners of the Waqf Commission in accordance with Section 7 of the Waqf Act. However, since its gazettement, there has been limited progress made despite several meetings.
“Since our gazettment, we have convened several meetings alongside the technical and support teams representing the appointing authority. However, there has been limited progress and the delay in appointing the Waqf Commissioners is becoming increasingly concerning for both the institutions we represent and the wider community,” Naado says in his letter.
According to Naado, the task of the panel should not take more than six months if approached diligently and in good faith. The prolonged delay, he says, raises concerns about the commitment of those in authority to the important matter, hoping for the prompt resumption of the panel’s activities and a successful outcome in the near future.
“After careful consideration of the lack of progress since our gazettment, I hereby kindly and most respectfully tender my resignation as a member of the recruitment panel for the Waqf Commission.”
Naado, who is the National Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), says the council is at liberty to appoint his replacement.
“Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to a successful resumption of this process in the future.”
Other members of the panel, according to a gazette notice dated March 28, 2025, include; Jawahir Keinan Hassan, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome Asmani, Sheikh Abdala Ibrahim Ateka, and Sumayya Hassan.
What is Waqf Commission?
The Waqf Commission of Kenya is a statutory body established under the Waqf Act, 2022. It is responsible for the administration and management of Waqf properties in Kenya.
Waqf is an inalienable charitable endowment under Islamic law. It involves donating a building, plot of land or other assets for Muslim religious or charitable purposes with no intention of reclaiming the assets.
The Commission is responsible for the administration and management of Waqf properties in Kenya.
Ruto, Muturi clash over Waqf
In March, 2025, President William Ruto publicly slammed then-Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, declaring him incompetent for delaying the establishment of the Muslim Endowment Fund (Waqf) that had been proposed by Muslim leaders when he was holding the AG’s office.
Speaking during an IFtar celebration on March 25 evening with the Muslim community at State House, Nairobi, Ruto expressed his concerns claiming that while he was Kenya’s AG, Muturi was unfit to handle legal issues.
“I agree with you that the Muslim Endowment Fund has taken too long. There is no reason. I had a problem with the AG who was there, he was fairly incompetent, but we now have a competent lady and I can assure you that the issue will be sorted out,” Ruto stated.
President Ruto expressed his commitment to resolving the prolonged issues surrounding the Waqf under the leadership of the current AG Odour.
But in response, Muturi explained that the Waqf Act No.8 of 2022 did not include a 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 Muslim faith and is managed by the Waqf Commission,” Muturi said on his X page.
