Government declares Wednesday a public holiday to mark the end of mark Idd-Ul-Fitr

Gov't declares Wednesday public holiday

Sue Watiri

June 3, 2019 12:35 PM

The holiday marks the end of Ramadhan.

Fred Matiangi (Courtesy)

The government has declared Wednesday a public holiday because of Idd-Ul-Fitr, a day Muslims observe to mark the end of Ramadhan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government Fred Matiang’i has today, Monday 3rd June, 2019, declared Wednesday 5th June, 2019 as a Public Holiday of General Observance for the occasion of Idd-ul-Fitr.

Dr. Fred Matiang'i acted in exercise of the powers conferred by Sections 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act [Chapter 110 of the Laws of Kenya], and the declaration is carried vide Kenya Gazette No. 4850 of 3rd June, 2019.

With the declaration of a Public Holiday of General Observance, Kenyans of all faiths will be able to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating that auspicious and Holy Day.

About Idd-ul-Fitr

Kenyan boys celebrating Idd-ul-Fitr (Courtesy) Pulse Live Kenya

Idd-ul-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadhan; a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and community during which Muslims renew their faith and ask for Divine Intervention, Blessings and Protection for themselves, The Umma, and the entire World.

The Ramadhan period begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and ends after the Shawwal Moon has been spotted, marking the end of the holy fasting month and the beginning of the Idd-ul-Fitr, or Festival of Breaking the Fast.