The Proliferation of Mosques and its Effect on Christian -Muslim Relations in Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

The proliferation of mosques has been noted since 2000-2015 within Bungoma County. Mosques have increased from seven to sixty four within the county. In connection to that there are activities that take place in the mosques which target children, youth and women. Such projects support needy people, youths to further their education through affordable education. Majority of people who benefit are Christians and before they are assisted they need to have classes or be taught basics of Islam. Furthermore, the distance at which these mosques are constructed is only few meters away from the church buildings. The research aimed at mapping out the presence of Mosques, to examine the condition that have contributed to the proliferation of Mosques and the effect of the proliferation of Mosques on Christian – Muslim relations. The researcher used random sampling method and snow ball approach method to get the respondents. The target was to interview 72 people who are church and mosque leaders. In each area 12 people were interviewed six Muslims and six Christians. The researcher used snow-ball approach method to get the respondents six from the Muslim side and six from the Christian side. Questionnaires and interview method was used to collect the data. The researcher found out that there was existing suspicion on the motive of the proliferation of mosques and its proximity to church buildings. The activities that take place in the mosques which target non-Muslims have raised concern to Christians in Bungoma County. Despite the suspicious nature on that of Muslims and Christians, there is cordialrelationship as the two religions exist in the county. There is room and space for dialogue between the two religious faiths.