Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i on Wednesday, July 29, declared Friday, July 31, a public holiday.
In a Kenya Gazette Notice No. 5277, Matiang'i stated that Friday would mark the celebration of Idd-ul-Azha.
"In recognition of the vital role of faith as a unifying force within our Nation, and cognisant that religious and cultural diversity are at the core of our national identity; Friday, July 31, 2020 has been designated as a Public Holiday of General Observance throughout the territory of the Republic of Kenya in celebration of Idd-ul-Adha," reads the statement in part.
In light of the ongoing Covid-19 situation, and in fidelity with the Resolutions of the Fifth Session of the National and County Governments Co-ordinating Summit, Matiang'i reiterated that the celebration of Idd-ul-Azha should be marked with minimal person-to-person contact.
"All ceremonies in celebration of Idd-ul-Azha will be marked in strict and full compliance with the guidelines issued by the InterFaith Council with the approval of the Ministry of Health," reads an excerpt of the statement.
Eid al Azha is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated across the world, honoring Abraham's obedience to God demonstrated by willingness to sacrifice his son.
Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) Director of Religious Affairs Sheikh Hassan Kinyua on Monday, July 27, told Kenyans.co.ke that they had petitioned President Uhuru Kenyatta and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to have the day gazetted as a public holiday.
"What has been guaranteed since the times of the founding President Jomo Kenyatta is Eid ul Fitr, but when it comes to Eid al Adha the government has been playing with us.
"Sometimes, they offer gazettement as a ploy in election years, but what we have been pushing for is for it to be fully enshrined," he observed.
