Kenyans Have It, Monday 11th July Is A Public Holiday

Interior cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i has declared Monday, July 11th a public holiday to allow the marking of Idd-ul-Adha.

“It is notified for general information that in the exercise of the powers conferred by sections 3 as read with section 2(2) of the public holiday’s act (Cap.110), the cabinet secretary for interior and coordination of national government declares Monday, 11^th July 2022 a public holiday marking Idd-ul-Adha,’’ the CS said in a statement.

Idd-ul-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice” is the second and the biggest celebration in the Islamic religion. It is marked to honor the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son Ismail as a sign of obedience to Allah’s command. Muslims observe this day by ritually slaughtering animals where one-third of the meat is consumed by the family which has offered the animal, while the rest of the meat is given to the poor and needy.

The celebration also involves giving out sweets and gifts as well as visiting and welcoming extended family members.

In the Islamic lunar calendar, Idd-ul-Adha falls on the 10^th day of Dhu al-Hijja (The month of the pilgrimage) and lasts for four days.