By Juma Namlola, The Nation

NAIROBI — Muslims today mark the first Friday of the month of Ramadhan with calls for the release of Kenyan youths deported to Ethiopia two years ago.

Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya organising secretary Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa yesterday said that it was time the Government fulfilled its promise to have the youths returned home.

Speaking from Mombasa, Sheikh Khalifa said Muslims were not comfortable fasting when they did not know the whereabouts of their relatives.

“The best gift the Government can give Muslims during this holy month of Ramadhan is to fulfil its promise to have the youth released,” he said.

Sheikh Khalifa also urged the Kenya Revenue Authority to release hundreds of tonnes of dates said to be detained at the port of Mombasa.

He asked the relevant authorities to come up with ways of identifying dates meant for free distribution to Muslims and those being imported by traders.

“Although the Saudi Arabian embassy has not involved us in the negotiations to have the dates released, as stakeholders, we urge the Government to speed up the release of the cargo,” he said.

Kenyan Muslims have for many years relied on relief dates from Saudi Arabia.

According to Islam, one breaks their fast by drinking water or eating a date.

Last week, Saudi ambassador Hatem Al-Ghamdi called on Islamic organisations to intervene and have the dates released.