By Kamadi Amata
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced that Wednesday, April 10, 2024 will be a public holiday in Kenya.
In a gazette notice on Tuesday, April 9, Kindiki said the public holiday will be to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr.
“IT IS notified for the general information of the public that, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act. The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Wednesday, the 10th April, 2024, shall be a Public Holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr,” stated the notice.
Idd-ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which began on March 11, 2024.
Idd ul-Fitr is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude for Muslims around the world, marking the completion of a month of fasting and spiritual growth.
Also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” Idd ul-Fitr begins with the sighting of the new moon. Muslims then perform a special prayer known as the Salat al-Eid in a congregation.
After the prayer, Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) and exchange gifts, and food with family and friends.
An aspect of eid ul fitr is a charitable giving known as zakat al fitr where muslims are required to give a specific amount of money or food to those in need before the Eid prayer. This helps ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities and have enough to celebrate.
