Clerics want NSSF to withdraw from beer manufacturer

 

PHOTO | DIANA NGILA | FILE The NSSF's office building in Nairobi.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

 

By GALGALO BOCHA
 

 

In Summary

• Imams and preachers council protests purchase of shares in EABL and tobacco products firm

A legal battle looms between the State pension fund and Muslim leaders over investment of workers’ contributions in alcohol and tobacco products firms.

The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya on Sunday asked the National Social Security Fund to withdraw workers money from East African Breweries Limited and British American Tobacco Limited within seven days, or else it takes the matter to court.

“We are going to court on grounds that shareholders have not been consulted and being a public institution,
 NSSF ought to have involved all stakeholders, including Muslims,” said the council’s organising secretary, Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa.

Stop contributions

Sheikh Khalifa said they would mobilise Muslim employers and employees to stop contributing and withdraw their savings from the kitty to protest against the use of their money in alcohol and tobacco businesses.

“We also demand public apology from NSSF. As Muslims employers and employees we are extremely offended with the use of our hard-earned money in such forbidden businesses,” he said.

The council’s secretary-general, Sheikh Mohammed Dor, warned NSSF management not to ignore them, saying consultations were ongoing on the next course of action should their calls fall on deaf ears.

 The government, he said, had the responsibility of protecting the interests of various faith groups and urged the Treasury to take appropriate measures on the issue.

“They are not entitled to use our money for alcohol and tobacco business. There are so many entities to invest,” he added.