Governor Samboja’s Ramadan message to Muslims goes awry

Like other leaders, Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja sent out his message of goodwill to Muslims. However, in his Saturday, April 25 message, the governor made a blunder that caused reactions from a section of Muslims online.

In a poster shared on social media bearing the governor’s photo and message, Samboja used Arabic words that wrongly translated ‘Ramadan Kareem’ that he had intended to use.

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The Arabic words ʾastaḡfirullāh mean ‘I ask forgiveness from Allah’ which is not so usual with Ramadan messages to Muslims.

Reacting to the blunder, KTN news anchor Ali Manzu cautioned the governor to seek assistance whenever using a language he did not understand.

“If you don’t understand Arabic, ask. This is not the right message of #Ramadhan. Ndugu Governor Granton Samboja,” Manzu posted on Twitter.

The poster was quickly edited with the correct Arabic words and reposted online.

Thanks @GrantonSamboja for making the changes. pic.twitter.com/N6eb0ePizl

— Ali 'Mwamvita' Manzu (@Ali_Manzu) April 25, 2020

Below are some reactions online,

He is using those Arabic words to decorate the photo. Forgive him he was just trying to be stylish!

— Erick Ochieng (@ErickOchieng12) April 25, 2020

Samboja should stick to Rhumba and stop being a wannabe. Old is Gold.

— Omari Junior (@OmariHJr) April 25, 2020

That means there is no Muslim aids working in the governor's office. He wished well but must have Muslims working in his office too.

— Abdallah Qassim (@Abdallahsasah) April 25, 2020

Designer misleading him? effects of googling images?

— james katumo (@KatumoJames) April 25, 2020

He was decorating the poster, but also learn to DM! Surely was this necessary?

— Marcus Makosih (@marcuslv001) April 25, 2020

Though astaghfurulah is not ramadan kareem, it's the month of ramadan that we need to be closest to Allah, so can pass. But thanks for pointing it out

— mohamud kassim (@mudu0071) April 26, 2020

I think it's the one who was delegated that was misinformed….. a plus to the Governor for going through his tweets and rectifying the mistake.

— sugaray smiles (@SmilesSugaray) April 25, 2020

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