[ABNA.IR] A ruling by a Kenyan court to ban hijab in a church-sponsored school has outraged Moslem parents and scholars, who deemed the ruling a setback for the freedom of worship in the Eastern African country."In our religion, all girls who have reached puberty have to cover all their body except the face. This is to encourage self discipline," the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Tana River chairman Sheikh Abdullahi Gudo told the Star.
Gudo was commenting on an Isiolo court ruling on Tuesday, September 23, that barred Moslems students at ST Kiwanjani High School from wearing the Islamic headscarf, hijab, and long trousers.
The ban came in response to a request by the Methodist Church of Kenya (MCK), which claims to be the school's sponsor, to stop allowing Moslems students to wear hijab in the school.
"An order is issued restraining the Teachers Service Commission, Isiolo County director of education and district education officer from allowing Moslem students to wear hijabs at St Paul Kiwanjani Secondary, contrary to school rules and regulations," Justice Nzioki wa Makau was quoted by the Daily Nation last week.
Since last term, the school, which 80% of its students are Moslems, has been hit by several student protests over the hijab ban decision.
"The students, including KCSE candidates, did not even sit for their mid-year examination," a parent who requested anonymity told the Standard.
"There had been minimal lessons offered this year due to this problem."