Interior cabinet secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has declared Monday, June 17, a public holiday.
In a special gazette notice dated June 13, the CS indicated that the day will be set apart to mark Eid-Al- Adha.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act,
“Declares Monday, the 17th June, 2024, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid-Al- Adha,” the statement indicated.
Eid-Al- Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, is a holiday celebrated by Muslims across the world. It is the second major Islamic religious celebration of the year, following Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
Also Read: Ruto Declares Friday a Public Holiday
Details About the Holiday
The special day is anticipated to begin at sunset on Saturday, June 15, and will be celebrated by Muslims all over the world on June 16.
Further, the dates are determined by the Islamic calendar, which follows the lunar calendar. This helps predict when Islamic months and holidays occur.
According to the Quran, Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, for the sake of God. However, God stopped him and sent a ram which he sacrificed instead.
To celebrate, Muslims will wake up early in the morning, preparing food and attend mandatory Eid prayers at local masjids. It is forbidden for Muslims to fast on Eid al-Adha.
Moreover, on Eid, Muslims will perform the Sunnah which includes taking a shower in the morning, wearing their best clothes and perfume, taking a different path home from attending Eid prayer.
Also, Muslims will hug their friends and family and greet them with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “blessed festival” in Arabic.
Also Read: Eid-ul-Fitr: What to Know About the Muslim Holiday After Ramadan
Previous Recent Holidays Declared by Kindiki
The announcement came weeks after Kenyans celebrated the 61st Madaraka Day on June 1, 2023. held at the Masinde Muliro stadium in Bungoma County.
Before that President William Ruto declared Friday, May 10, 2024, a public holiday in honor of flood victims across the country as a result of heavy rainfall. The holiday was dubbed National Tree Planting Day.
“We shall be having a National Tree Growing Day on Friday 10th May 2024.A gazette notice shall be issued to this effect,” he said.
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