Muslims Across Kenya Mark Eid-ul-Adha with Prayers and Sacrifice
Thousands of Muslims across Kenya gathered on Friday, June 6, to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, a major event on the Islamic calendar that honors faith, devotion, and sacrifice. The festival, observed annually on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, follows the Day of Arafah and marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
In Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighborhood, the heart of Kenya’s Somali and Muslim community, worshippers streamed into prayer venues from as early as 6 am. One of the largest congregations assembled at Eastleigh High School, where Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, joined hundreds of faithfuls for the Salat-al-Eid prayers.
Security was visibly tight throughout the morning as the Starehe Police Division ensured a peaceful environment, with OCPD Wilson Muraya personally attending the event. Other notable venues hosting Eid prayers included Masjid Sahaba, Masjid Abubakar, Maina Wanjigi Secondary, Zawadi Primary, and New Eastleigh Primary School grounds.
The prayers, though not obligatory, hold special religious significance and are widely observed by Muslims during Eid. Imams across the city emphasized messages of unity, charity, and spiritual reflection.
Eastleigh’s Imam of the day, Ahmed Abdiwahid, led the congregation and delivered a sermon on the importance of Qurbani—the ritual slaughter of an animal. “This is the Eid of sacrificing. If you can afford it, make sure you do it and share with your neighbors and everyone, especially the poor,” he urged.
MP Yusuf Hassan echoed similar sentiments, calling on the Muslim community to live in harmony and embody the spirit of generosity beyond the celebrations. “We live in a good, blessed, and peaceful place. Let’s work hard and maintain the peace here,” said Hassan.
Ambassador Jabril, reflecting on regional diplomacy, highlighted the improving relations between Kenya and Somalia. “As you all know, Kenya and Somalia have been improving their diplomatic relationship. We share a lot, and that is good for all of us,” he stated.
In his remarks, OCPD Muraya stressed the role of collaboration between residents and security personnel. “There is no development without security. Let’s work with the police to make sure there is peace in Eastleigh all the time,” he said.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering obedience to God, demonstrated through his willingness to sacrifice his son. The day is marked by communal prayers, slaughtering of animals—usually goats, sheep, cows, or camels—and distributing the meat to family, neighbors, and those in need.
Despite the economic challenges faced by many, the sense of community and devotion was unmistakable, as Muslims across the country came together to observe the sacred occasion in unity and reflection.
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Muslims Across Kenya Mark Eid-ul-Adha with Prayers and Sacrifice