Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi has sponsored over 47 imams from underprivileged areas in Nairobi, who have departed for Mecca to perform Hajj.
Sakaja who covered all travel and accommodation costs for the clerics, said it marks a significant spiritual milestone in their lives.
The group was flagged off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) where the religious leaders expressed deep gratitude to the Governor.
Speaking during the send-off, Ustadh Hassan Ally Amin, Chair of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, emphasized the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage:
“We are privileged by Allah to go and worship Him. We thank the Governor for his gesture in supporting this group,” Amin said.
“This is an honour and an important journey for every Muslim.”
He added that Hajj is not merely a physical journey, but a profound act of humility, devotion, and reflection that reinforces the core tenets of Islam and the unity of the global Muslim community.
“If you can’t say thank you to people who have done well to you, you can’t say thank you to Allah. That is why we are grateful for the Governor’s gesture in helping us embark on this important journey,” he said.
The group of imams came from various parts of Nairobi, including Kibera, Majengo, Maringo, Utawala, among others.
Imams Praise Sakaja
Zacharia Abdalla, Imam of Pumwani Mosque, also thanked Sakaja for sponsoring the Imams.
Abdalla said expressed gratitude to the governor for remembering Muslims during this important event.
“We want to thank the governor, and we will pray for Allah to bless you. We will not forget what you have done for us,” he said.
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Kahawa MCA Eutychus Mukiri said Hajj happens once in a lifetime and allowing Imams from Kenya to participate is great honour.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and our Imams will attend courtesy of Sakaja,” he said.
“He has seen that it is important for us to join other Muslims from all over the world during the Hajj by sponsoring us to Saudi Arabia.”
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What is Hajj
The Imams departed from the country at 7 pm on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
In footage seen by The Kenya Times, the Imams are seen with their luggage at JKIA before they left the country.
Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it.
It represents a deeply spiritual journey of faith, equality, and submission to Allah.
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