This archive report was first published on 24 April 2020.
Kenya's Muslims will begin observing the holy month of Ramadhan on Saturday, April 25, 2020, as announced by Chief Kadhi Ahmed Muhdhar.
According to Sheikh Muhdhar, the crescent moon, which signifies the start of Ramadhan, was not sighted in Kenya or Tanzania, prompting the decision to begin the sacred month on Saturday.
"We have made calls in all parts of the country and have not received any news of the moon being sighted. We have also inquired with our neighbors in Tanzania and Zanzibar, and there are no reports of the moon, therefore we will start observing Ramadhan on Saturday," said Sheikh Muhdhar.
During Ramadhan, Muslims typically observe strict fasting from dawn to sunset, but this year's observance will be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed 14 lives in Kenya.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has ruled out extending the dusk-to-dawn curfew to allow Muslims to observe Ramadhan, saying that the government will respect the President's orders and pray at home.
Food vendors in Mombasa's central business district will also face challenges during Ramadhan, as they will have to observe social distancing rules to operate.
