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http://www.persecution.org

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http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=\ForeignBureaus\archive\200508\FOR20050823a.html

"Kenyan Christians Oppose Bid to Formalize Shari'a Law"
By Stephen Mbogo
CNSNews.com Correspondent
August 23, 2005

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Nairobi, Kenya (CNSNews.com) - Kenyan Christian leaders are urging their congregations to oppose a forthcoming vote on a new constitution for the East African nation because the proposed document gives recognition to Islamic (shari'a) law.

Under Kenya's existing constitution, shari'a courts (also known as "Kadhi courts," after the title of the presiding officer) are allowed to adjudicate in matters of family and succession relating to the Muslim minority, although not in criminal disputes.

The new constitution would establish the courts as part of the national justice system.

Church leaders said it was wrong for purely religious bodies to be entrenched in the constitution of a secular nation whose people follow various religions.

About 11 percent of Kenya's 30 million people are Muslims, 45 percent are Protestants, 33 percent Roman Catholics and 12 percent adhere to indigenous or other beliefs.

The Christian leaders expressed concern that recognition of the courts would eventually lead to the application of Islamic law in criminal matters, a controversial matter because shari'a provides for severe punishments like stoning to death or the amputation of limbs for certain crimes.

"We had better stay with the current constitution than to adopt a document that will plunge the country into chaos," said Bishop Mark Kariuki of the evangelical Deliverance Church."