Kenyan Publisher Withdraws Textbook Amid Muslim Outrage Over Prophet Mohammed Image
A Kenyan publisher has withdrawn a textbook from sale due to Muslim outrage over a depiction of the Prophet Mohammed.
In various communications to the company, Muslim believers expressed indignation, claiming that it is blasphemous to draw the Prophet and ask students to color it.
In a statement, the publisher conveyed regret for the “grave error” and recalled the Islamic studies textbook for students in the second grade.
ALSO READ: MP Mureu Advocates for Bursaries in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools
The publisher issued an apology to the Muslim community, acknowledging the inclusion of the image in the book as a mistake.
The publisher said in its statement, “We sincerely and wholeheartedly apologize for the error and commit to ensuring that such an error never occurs again.”
Following the development, the publisher announced that it would promptly remove the image from all future editions and confirm that it is working with the Muslim Education Council to review all future publications.
As per this agreement, the publisher is mandating that all teachers, students, and school administrators who currently possess the book must return it.
ALSO READ: KUPPET Push for Armed Teachers in Conflict Regions
Sheikh Rishard, a Muslim scholar from Mombasa who had previously characterized the image as “dangerous,” hailed the decision as a step in the right direction and urged publishers to consult with Muslim leaders in the future to avoid such blunders.
Kenya is not the only nation to experience indignation over a Prophet Muhammad illustration in textbooks.
In 2020, extremists beheaded a French teacher who had sparked a class debate by showing Prophet Muhammad caricatures, ostensibly to promote free speech.
Islam is the second most popular religion in Kenya, with 11% of Kenyans identifying as Muslims.
The Kenyan education system includes religious studies.
ALSO READ: KUPPET Opposes Education Ministry’s Attempt to Alter TSC’s Role
Kenyan Publisher Withdraws Textbook Amid Muslim Outrage Over Prophet Mohammed Image
