New look, new rules: Jamia mosque gets facelift, asks hawkers to keep off

A fresh sense of order and cleanliness now defines the area surrounding Jamia Mosque along Mburu Gichua Road, thanks to a recent facelift project that has transformed its once chaotic perimeter into a neat, paved, and hawker-free walkway.

The renovation at the site shows a stunning transformation, the mosque’s outer walls have been repainted in crisp white and vibrant green, with a distinct diamond pattern decorating the lower section. 

Young trees now line the neatly paved sidewalk, and there’s clear signage that reads: “No Hawking and No Stalls Around the Mosque Perimeter.”

In an exclusive interview with Mtaa Wangu, Ibrahim Ali, the Chairperson of Jamia Mosque, said the facelift was a deliberate move by the mosque management to improve the image and safety of the area.

“This was done to beautify the place. Earlier on, water would settle here and it was not looking good. Additionally, this was done for security reasons because street children had occupied this area, making it a security concern from time to time. The notice of no hawking was also done because most people in Nakuru tend to occupy an area once it has been improved,” says Ali.

The transformation comes less than two years after the same section was the subject of controversy.

In October 2023, traders from Nasher Market blocked the road in protest, opposing plans to construct stalls along the mosque’s perimeter , a move they claimed would negatively impact their businesses. 

Just weeks later, unknown individuals demolished stalls that had been erected at the ground-breaking stage, further intensifying the dispute.

As the dispute went on, the Mosque through the Chairman Muslim Association Nakuru, Faezz Ahmed Nasher, acknowledged they had written to the County Government to allow the Management of Jamia Mosque to have stalls constructed on the veranda of the Mosque. 

According to Ahmed, the stalls were also meant to stop continuous harassment by passers-by who keep on insulting Muslims during prayer times and at the same time stop street children who have turned the space into toilets hence violating Islamic Fundamentals.

They however distanced themselves from the unauthorized construction that went on at the time and emphasized their commitment to follow due process.

Today, Ali maintains that it is the mosque’s will to keep the area clear of any obstruction, a statement that may differ from their earlier intent to build the stalls.

He states the perimeter is not only part of a place of worship but must also be maintained with the highest standard of cleanliness and order.

“We want this place to reflect the peace and discipline that Islam teaches. A clean and safe environment is part of that,” he concludes.

Nakuru county trade executive, Stephen Kuria, notes that the county approved the renovations by the Mosque and supports the move not to have any stalls at the section.

"Erecting stalls in the area is illegal. All traders have designated areas to operate from and should not eye that area but because it received a facelift," he says.