Nairobi – President William Ruto has extended Eid-ul-Adha greetings to Muslims across Kenya, marking one of Islam’s most sacred festivals with a message of peace and unity.
In a short statement shared by State House on Thursday evening, the President wished Muslims “peace, joy, and spiritual fulfilment” as they commemorated the holiday. The message was accompanied by an image of the Kaaba in Mecca and a sacrificial lamb symbols central to the festival’s religious significance.
“May Allah Almighty accept your sacrifices and reward you with peace and happiness,” the President said.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, honours the Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The holiday coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage, which draws millions of Muslims from around the world to Mecca each year.
A public celebration, a sacred moment
Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen declared Friday, 6 June, a public holiday to allow Muslims across the country to mark the occasion.
In cities and towns from Mombasa to Mandera, worshippers gathered for early morning prayers in mosques and open fields. Afterwards, families shared meals and distributed meat to the poor part of the traditional practice of Qurbani, or ritual sacrifice.
In Garissa County, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale hosted a communal Iftar on the eve of the festival, drawing religious scholars, youth leaders, and elders together for prayer and reflection.
“The Day of Arafah is not only a time of devotion but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to uplift one another,” Mr Duale said, referencing the day of fasting and prayer that precedes Eid.
He added that the gathering aimed to strengthen bonds within the community and reinforce the values of generosity and service.
A call for compassion
Religious leaders at the Garissa event echoed this message, urging Kenyans to show kindness not just within their own circles, but across society.
“Shedding the spirit of selfishness, especially at a time like this, is one of the most powerful things we can do,” said Sheikh Ibrahim Noor, a local imam.
Eid-ul-Adha arrives at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with economic pressures, making the festival’s message of sharing with the less fortunate especially poignant.
In his message, President Ruto steered clear of politics, focusing instead on the spiritual and social importance of the holiday. His tone mirrored that of other national leaders who have used past Eid holidays to call for tolerance and solidarity across Kenya’s diverse communities.
As the festival continues through the weekend, millions of Muslims in Kenya will celebrate with family, honour faith, and share food with those in need a ritual as ancient as it is urgent.
