Calls for unity mark Idd celebrations in Kenya

Kenyans across the country on Friday celebrated the end of holy month of Ramadhan with Idd-Ul-Fitr prayers.

Muslims in Mombasa County converged at various mosques and at Tononoka grounds for special prayers that kicked off at around 7.30am.

Former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Hammad Kassim led prayers at Ronald Ngala Primary School.

Also Read: Uhuru sends goodwill message for Idd-Ul-Fitr

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, Mvita MP Abdulwamad Nassir and Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar were among leaders present.

Chief Kadhi Ahmed Mohdhar challenged all leaders to work together and preach peace to unite Kenyans across the country.

In response, Governor Joho said he is at the forefront of a unity campaign.

His sentiments were echoed by MP Nassir and Tourism CS Najib Balala who was attending a similar function at Kikowani on Mombasa Island.

Unlike Previous Years

Meanwhile in Isiolo, needy Muslim families of Somali descent received foodstuffs sent by Governor Joho. At least 40 families received flour, cooking oil, sugar, rice and salt.

In Eldoret, hundreds of Muslims turned up at Uasin Gishu Primary School to mark Idd.

Also Read: Government declares Friday a public holiday

Unlike the other years where they celebrated in different areas, this year the Muslim faithfuls came together at one venue.

CIPK chairman Abubakar Bini said marking Idd together is a sense of unity calling all Muslims to all always do good in the society.

Peace Despite Al Shabaab Threats

In Kisumu, hundreds of Muslims joined their colleagues at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds to mark Idd-Ul-Fitr.

Sports CS Rashid Echesa said they were dedicating their prayers towards a united country.

He says Kenyan leaders need prayers dedicated to them so they can steer the country in the right direction.

Also Read: Security alert over possible Al-Shabaab attacks

And in Garissa, Governor Ali Korane and Senator Yussuf Haji joined faithfuls at General Mohamud Prayer Grounds.

They thanked residents for keeping peace during the entire month of Ramadhan despite threats from Al-Shabaab.

Corruption Cases Criticized

Meanwhile, the Muslim community in Uasin Gishu County is urging President Uhuru Kenyatta to deal with wanton corruption.

Speaking to Citizen TV on Friday, the leaders expressed their dismay over the billions of taxpayers’ money stolen from public institutions.

Also Read: Uhuru orders lifestyle audit on all public servants

According to them, the government knows who the “big fish” involved in the scandals are and they should be arrested.

They further criticized investigating agencies for only focusing on the “sacrificial lambs”.

By Patrick Kanga, Cyrus Sholim, Allan Obiero, John Wanyama and Amos Sambu