Kenyans are frustrated after government declares Idd-Ul-Adha a 'Muslim-only' holiday

david nganga

August 30, 2017 5:10 PM

Matiang’i, in a press statement, said Eid Ul Adha is gazetted as a holiday for Muslims only and not a public holiday.

Kenya's Acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior Security Dr Fred Matiang’i,issued a statement on Wednesday 30 August, stating that the Idd-Ul-Adha will be a holiday for all Muslims in the country.

Matiang’i, in a press statement, said Eid Ul Adha is gazetted as a holiday for Muslims only and not a public holiday.

"This year the holiday will be celebrated on Friday 1st September 2017. Adherents of Islam region will celebrate the day and therefore employers should allow them to be away from work. For non-muslims this will be a normal working day," read part of the statement.

And it is from that announcement that Kenyans went up in arms wondering why Mr. Matiang'i did not declare it a public holiday as was the case last year.

They took to Twitter to express their mixed reactions on the announcement:

Mr. Matiang'i however said promised that plans are underway to make it a public holiday.

“The holiday is listed as Muslim holiday but plans are under way for the government to present a Bill in Parliament to make it a national public holiday."

Eid Ul Adha, also known as Id ul Azha, is the single-most important feast of the Islamic year, falling on the 10th day of the final month of the Islamic calendar (Dhu al Hijjah). The date moves on the Gregorian calendar by around 10 days per year.

david nganga