This archive report was first published on 5 November 2021.
On November 3rd, 2021, a fake gazette notice announcing a national public holiday in Kenya to mark Diwali on November 4th, 2021, was widely shared on social media.
The notice, signed by Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, Dr Fred Matiang'i, stated that Thursday, November 4th, 2021, would be a public holiday to mark Dewali 2021.
However, the Interior Ministry quickly dismissed the notice, calling it fake on its Twitter page.
"The Government HAS NOT declared a public holiday on THURSDAY NOV 4, 2021," the ministry said. "The purported gazette notice declaring a holiday is FAKE!"
Diwali, an annual holiday celebrated by Hindus globally, lasts five days and falls either in October or November. It is a celebration of good triumphing over evil, and a day to worship the gods and goddesses of prosperity.
During Diwali, the Hindu faithful light small oil lamps at home called diyas, accompanied with fireworks. However, the Kenyan Government only allows fireworks and firecrackers at set hours of the day away from residential zones.
