Muslims puts in place to help in burial of COVID 19 victims

Muslims in the Country who lose a loved due to COVID 19 have been asked to get in touch with the National Muslim Covid-19 Response team for burial purposes.

Prof. Muhammad Karama says the decision was agreed on following consultation between Muslim scholars nationally and internationally and the Ministry of Health.

He says The National Muslim Covid-19 Response team has developed procedures related to the handling of the body of dead or presumed coronavirus victims, conducting of the funeral prayers and burial procedures which emphasize  on prevention of infection.

In a statement signed on behalf of the various Muslims organizations, Karama said “It has been unanimously agreed that Muslims who die as a result of COVID-19 will not be subjected to the ritual washing procedures (ghusl) to prevent possible infection and spread of the disease.”

He revealed that a team of volunteers in Nairobi,Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru and Bungoma have been identified and have undergone the necessary training on handling deceased cases of Covid-19 victims.

“The volunteers with appropriate personal protection equipment will provide assistance in the handling of the deceased cases and will ensure that the bodies of Muslims will be wrapped in white sheets and placed in a biodegradable sealed body bags before being transported to the burial areas.” He said.

Further Muslims were urged to report all home deaths through the toll free number 719 for Government assessment before the team can engage in burial procedures.

According to Karama, a team of psychiatrists and psychologists has been put in place to provide counseling and psycho-social support to the families who lose their loved ones.

He said, “The National Muslim Response team is coordinating with scholars and Imams in Mombasa while the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) will play a coordinating role in ensuring that the information will be cascaded to the counties.”

The Muslims leaders also appealed to Muslims throughout the Country to adhere to the government directives on prevention of the spread of Covid-19.

“While we are cognizant to the ban on food distribution due to the vulnerable members of the society due to the arising concerns on the spread of Covid-19, we implore on the government to provide special consideration to Muslims to feed the less fortunate during the forthcoming holy month of Ramadhan which is due in less than two weeks.” They said.