This archive report was first published on 12 October 2019.
Interior Ministry Denies Public Holiday for Eliud Kipchoge ¶
On Saturday, October 12, 2019, the Interior Ministry issued a statement on Twitter urging Kenyans to disregard claims that Monday, October 14, 2019, is a public holiday in honor of Eliud Kipchoge's historic marathon achievement.
According to the ministry, Monday, October 14, 2019, is a working day, and the public should not be misled by a photo of a purported Gazette Notice.
The ministry's statement came after Eliud Kipchoge made history in Vienna by becoming the first man to run a marathon in under two hours. Kenyans took to social media to celebrate the achievement, with some calling for the government to declare a public holiday in his honor.
However, the Interior Ministry has denied these claims, stating that Monday, October 14, 2019, is a working day.
Despite this, a street in Eldoret will be named after Eliud Kipchoge in honor of his achievement.
Below is a list of public holidays in Kenya:
- New Year’s Day………… January 1
- Good Friday……………… March or April
- Easter Monday……………March or April
- Labour Day………………. May 1
- Madaraka Day ………….. June 1
- Moi Day ………………….. October 10
- Mashujaa Day…………….. October 20
- Jamhuri Day………………. December 12
- Christmas Day …………… December 25
- Boxing Day……………….. December 26
Two other public holidays; Idd-ul-Fitr and Idd-ul-Adha, are announced depending on the appearance of the moon.
