Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Wednesday invited residents of the Muslim faith to a grand dinner party at City Hall.
In an advert posted on the local dailies, Governor Sonko outlined that the guests would be treated to an exquisite Iftar meal, which is the evening meal Muslims have to break their fast during Ramadhan.
The governor noted that the banquet would be held to show solidarity with members of the Muslim community.
"On behalf of the residents of the city and the entire Nairobi City County Government and in the spirit of celebrating Ramadhan with our Muslim brothers and sisters, I cordially invite all Muslim faithful to a grand Iftar Dinner on June 13, 2018, at Chatter Hall, City Hall starting 5.30 p.m," the governor's advert read.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i on Tuesday announced that June 15 would be a public holiday to allow for Idd Ul Fitr celebrations that mark the end of the month of Ramadhan.
"In exercise of powers conferred by the Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, Friday, the 15th June 2018 shall be a Public Holiday in order to accord all Kenyans and persons who profess the Islamic faith the opportunity to make preparations to mark Idd-Ul-Fitr on Saturday, 16th June 2018," the Gazette notice read in part.
The Muslim festival was marked with increased security measures within the city where 200 additional officers were deployed to heighten security over the fasting month.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner Kang'ethe Thuku explained that measures were taken after fears that terrorists may strike during the period.
The law enforcement officers have gone on to issue an alert over possible Al Shabaab attacks in certain areas.
The government also scrapped taxes on the importation of dates, one of the essential delicacies the Muslim faithful have while breaking the daily fast.
[caption caption="File image of an Iftar dinner"]
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