The Government has announced that Monday, August 12, 2019 is a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha (Idd-ul-Adha). The announced through the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Security in Kenya which is headed by Minister Fred Matiang’i.
The minister invoked section 3 of the Public Holidays Act. The holiday is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah’s (God’s) command to sacrifice his son.
Muslims around the world observe the event, which is a four-day Islamic festival starting on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja. Eid-ul-Adha is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Abraham to follow God’s command to sacrifice his son (Isaac). The festival also marks the end of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
It is the second of the two major Muslim celebrations after Idd-ul-Fitr which took place in May and June. Idd-ul-Fitr is celebrated to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadhan. Idd-ul-Adha is held at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and sees family and friends gather for feasts, gift-giving and prayers.
This year, the cabinet secretary for interior and coordination of national government declared Wednesday, June 5 , 2019 as a public holiday to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr.
The day is usually declared a holiday in Kenya but in 2017, the Government failed to make the day holiday in a curious move.
We wish to take this opportunity to wish Muslims around the World and in Kenya, and all those of other beliefs who will join them in celebrating Eid-ul-Adha, a blessed Holy Day.