Prominent Somali cleric speaks out on Kenya assets freeze

GAROWE, Somalia, April 13, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Prominent Somali Islamic Scholar Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Umal has spoken out on freezing by Kenya government against his assets, distancing himself from allegations of maintaining links with Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab group, Garowe Online reports.

Sheikh Umal called the decision to freeze his assets ‘astonishing’: “It is really wonder that Kenya has frozen my assets and accused me of giving Al Shabaab a support,” said prominent Islamic Scholar, adding that he has long preached against Al Shabaab ideology.

“The decision will stun everybody let alone me, because I am known for my firm stance over Al Shabaab,” Umal told the media in Nairobi.

Umal, one of the most popular clerics in East Africa set up functioning businesses in Nairobi, and issued Fatwas declaring Somali militant group ‘Heretic’.

Last week, Kenyan government imposed sanctions on 86 accounts of people suspected to be funding Al Shabaab activities. 

GAROWE ONLINE