This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
On August 8, 2019, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i declared Monday, August 12, a public holiday to mark Eid-Ul-Adha, the Islamic festival of sacrifice.
Eid-ul-Adha, celebrated by Muslims worldwide, is an important part of the Islamic calendar, alongside Eid-ul-Fitr, the festive of breaking the fast, marked at the end of Ramadhan.
According to Chief Kadhi Ahmed Muhdhar, Muslims in Kenya started fasting on Saturday, August 3, the first day of Dhul-hijjah month, and were supposed to finish it on the ninth day of Dhul-hijjah, Monday, August 12.
During the festival, Muslims often slaughter a sheep, lamb, camel, or goat and divide the meat into three parts: a third for the family, a third for friends and relatives, and a third donated to the poor.
Sheikh Muhdhar urged Muslims to keep peace and strengthen unity during the festive season.
