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Govt declares public holiday to mark Idd celebrations


The government has declared Thursday a public holiday to mark Idd-Ul-Fitr, a day Muslims observe the end of fasting that lasts a month.

Kenyan Muslims started observing the holy month of Ramadhan on June 7 after the Chief Kadhi’s announcement on June 5.

The announcement was made after the failure to sight the moon which signifies the start of the holy month characterised by fasting.

GAZETTE NOTICE

In a gazette notice issued on Friday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said: “Thursday, July 7 will be observed as a public holiday to mark Idd-Ul-Fitr.”

The holy season begins with the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening following the new moon and lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.

According to the Koran, Muslims are required to start the fast only after sighting the new moon.