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Govt declares Monday a holiday for Kenyans to celebrate Idd


Monday has been gazetted as a public holiday during which Kenyans of Islamic faith will be celebrating Idd-ul-Adha.

In a statement, State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu said the move is in solidarity with Kenyans of Islamic faith.

“In recognition of the pivotal role played by religion in fostering cohesion and positive social order, and in solidarity with Kenyans of the Islamic Faith who on Monday, 12th September, 2016 shall celebrate Idd-ul-Adha  (also known as Eid-al-Adha),” Mr Esipisu said in his statement.

According to Mr Esipisu’s statement, the declaration is in line with Section 2(2) of the Public Holidays Act (Cap.110 of the Laws of Kenya), as read together with Section 3 of the Act.

MUSLIM HOLIDAYS

“The Government has taken this step so as to allow all Kenyans to share in celebrating that auspicious Holy Day together with our Muslim Brothers and Sisters; on a day that celebrates sacrifice and unwavering obedience to the Greater Good, the Government urges Kenyans of all faiths to contemplate how each and every one of us can align our actions towards making our Society better for ourselves as well as for future generations,” read the statement from State House.

Idd-ul-Adha is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two.

The festival, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is celebrated for four days annually and the holidays vary from one country to the other.