Millions of Kenyan Muslims joined fellow Muslims across the world to celebrate and Mark Eid Al-Adha.
The Eid celebrations were filled with messages of peaceful election and co-existence ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Moreover, Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar on Sunday, July 10 led hundreds of faithfuls in the Eid prayers conducted by his predecessor Sheikh Hamad Kassim at Ronald Ngala Primary School grounds.
Sheikh Muhdhar in his speech, urged Kenyans to be tolerant of each other despite having different political opinions.
He further observed that political tolerance is essential for suitability of the country and peaceful coexistence of citizens beyond the polls.
“We also pray for our country and God grant wisdom to Kenyans to rise above individual political interests and petty issues that could trigger election related conflicts,” added Chief Kadhi.
Likewise, in a separate Eid prayer, Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa in the same spirit of peace called upon Kenyans to be peaceful during electioneering period. He added that a one day’s event should not be reason for animosity and hatred among Kenyans.
“We have life beyond the August elections, and we should not break our family ties, good neighborhood and spoil our future,” Sheikh Khalifa stated.
Similarly, Sheikh Juma Omar of Kenya National Muslim Advisory Council (KEMNAC) echoed similar sentiments asking Kenyans not to reverse the good brought about by peace and security.
“We are left with three weeks to elections and my message to Muslims is to keep praying for our nation so that the unity of the country continues,” added Sheikh Omar.
Furthermore, the Chief Kadhi and clerics, while addressing the media after prayers urged Muslim faithfuls to share meat with their non-Muslim brothers and sisters as a sign of goodwill and cohesiveness of the society.
Nonetheless, politicians who attended Eid prayers also set aside their differences and called for peace during the ongoing campaign period.
Led by ODM gubernatorial candidate Abdulswamad Nassir, his former opponent turned ally Suleiman Shahbal and Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, the legislators said that peace is paramount over their political interests.
