Interior CS Fred Matiang’i in a gazette notice declared May 25 a public holiday in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act.
The festival of Idd-ul-Fitr, the festival of fast-breaking, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan.
However, this year’s celebration will be different from last year’s after President Uhuru Kenyatta last month ruled out a curfew extension for Muslims during the month of Rayearsmadan.
The President maintained that just like Christians who were forced to mark Easter celebrations at their homes, Muslims should not expect special treatment during the holy month.
“Same to what we told Christians during Easter, this year is a special year. Everyone to celebrate at home. Muslims should follow suit and know that this is a special year,” the President said.
He, however, acknowledged the two events as very important in both Muslim and Christian calendars but asked for understanding saying the country is currently faced with unprecedented health challenges.
