INVESTIGATION OF DECLINE OF ISLAM IN MUMIAS REGION OF KAKAMEGA COUNTY

Abstract

Islamic religion first spread into Africa from the Arabian Peninsula during the early seventh century. Today, 40 percent of the African population is Muslims. The East African region consist of a significant number of Muslims particularly along the Indian Ocean coastline. In Kenya, Muslims account to 11 percent of the population (Census, 2019). Islam penetrated to interior of Kenya and stepped its fit in Mumias Western Kenya in late 19th century. Its spread in the region was spearheaded by King Nabongo Mumia of the Wanga kingdom who embraced in its early stage. In early 20th century Christian missionaries invaded the region spreading Christianity which led to weakening of Islam in the region. This study has investigated the downfall of Islam in Mumias region of Kakamega County, Kenya. The study aimed to examine the factors behind the decline of Islam in Mumias region and discuss the efforts of revival. The study was guided by the theory of islamization developed by Bunger (1972) and conflict theory suggested by Marx. The design employed was exploratory and descriptive survey design with a methodology of a mixed method approach during which both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and interview schedules. The quantitative data obtained was analyzed systematically with the help of the SPSS version 21 and presented with the help of frequency tables and percentages. While the qualitative data collected was analyzed and presented thematically in a narrative form. The target population was 399,145 respondents from the entire Mumias region. The researcher used both purposive and simple random sampling to get sample size of 100 respondents for the study. Ethical consideration was a priority by seeking permission from the relevant authority to carry out the study and confidentiality assured to all respondents. The study findings have established several reasons that led to deterioration of Islam in Mumias region such as lack of religious knowledge, learning in missionary sponsored schools, marriage to nonmuslims, poverty among Muslims, Influence from parents and colleagues who are not Muslims or who have converted from Islam, misconception about Islam, lack of committed and consistent propagators (Duat) and lack of Islamic institutions like schools and hospitals among others. The results also indicate that downfall of Islam contributes to reduction of Muslim followers. There are some efforts put forward to improve the situation like; propagation of the religion, interreligious dialogues though very little and a few Islamic NGOs that operate in the region among others.