Another Long Weekend: Kindiki Declares Public Holiday

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared Friday, April 21 a public holiday.

In a Gazette notice dated Tuesday, April 19, Kindiki revealed that the declaration was so that the Muslim faithful can celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr.

"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 Holiday Act, declares Friday 21 April 2023 shall be a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr," the gazette notice read in part.

Idd-ul-Fitr is a festival of breaking the fast and marks the end of the 29-30-day-long fasting by Muslims during Ramadan.

President William Ruto addressing the Muslim faithful during Iftar at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, April 17, 2023. /STATE HOUSE KENYA

The holiday is known under various other names in different languages and countries around the world. The day is also called Lesser Eid, or simply Eid.

The announcement of the holiday follows Muslim beliefs, which depend on the sighting of the moon. The exact date of Eid varies globally depending on the moon sighting.

It's globally recognised as a festival for breaking the fast. The Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadhan, the Qur'an text was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

During this special occasion, believers share food and other resources with the less fortunate in their various communities as well as convene in various places of worship to break the fast.

The declaration means Kenyans will be treated to a second long weekend in April following the Easter weekend between Friday, April 7 and Monday, April 10.

Earlier on, a series of fake gazette notices circulated social media platforms insinuating that Kindiki had gazetted Monday, April 24 as a public holiday, which the Interior Ministry would flag down.

A number of politicians have been joining the Muslim faithful for Iftar during the fasting period, including President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

"Iftar is a special moment to come together to show kindness to others and above all to energise body and spirit for the spiritual journey of prayer and reflection in the Holy Month of Ramadan," Ruto wrote after hosting various leaders at State House on Monday, April 17.

Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga alongside other Azimio la Umoja leaders including Martha Karua, also joined the Muslim faithful for Iftar.

"Sharing a meal is always a great experience, especially when it's Iftar with the Muslim community. Let us all reflect on the Ramadhan values of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and kindness as we continue working towards a more just society and Nation. Saum Maqbul.

"Let us pray for peace for our neighbours and religious tolerance throughout the world, including here in Kenya. As a nation, we must resist attempts to divide us along religious lines. It is our duty to ensure that Kenyans can freely practice their faiths without fear or stigma," Raila stated on Tuesday, April 18.

Raila Odinga, Martha Karua join other Muslim faithful for Iftar on April 18, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA