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Muslims in Eastleigh mark Eid-ul-Fitr with prayers, calls for unity

Muslims in Eastleigh to mark Eid-ul Fitr at Eastleigh High School on April 10, 2024. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat/EV)

By Abdirahman Khalif | 10 Apr 2024

In Eastleigh, both young and old congregated at several grounds and mosques as early as 6 am to partake in the prayers.

Muslims across Kenya joyously celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr today, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Thousands gathered in various grounds and mosques nationwide to perform the non-obligatory Eid prayers, signalling the conclusion of a month of fasting and spiritual reflection.

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In Eastleigh, both young and old congregated at several grounds and mosques as early as 6 am to partake in the prayers.

Muslims in Eastleigh to mark Eid-ul Fitr at Eastleigh High School on April 10, 2024. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat/EV)

At the Eastleigh High School grounds, hundreds of worshippers were joined by dignitaries including the Cabinet Secretary of Defence, Aden Bare Duale, and Kamukunji Member of Parliament, Yusuf Hassan among other leaders.

Defence CS Aden Duale, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, and other leaders join Muslims in Eastleigh to mark Eid-ul Fitr at Eastleigh High School on April 10, 2024. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat/EV)

Defence CS Aden Duale, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, and other leaders join Muslims in Eastleigh to mark Eid-ul Fitr at Eastleigh High School on April 10, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

Tight security measures were in place, with the deployment of several police officers ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for the celebrations.

Outside the prayer grounds, the usual hustle and bustle continued, with hawkers selling balloons to children and prayer mats to worshippers making their way to the venue.

Amidst the prayers, reminders were sent to the crowd, urging Muslims not to reduce the level of prayer and devotion maintained during Ramadan.

Muslims in Eastleigh to mark Eid-ul Fitr at Eastleigh High School on April 10, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

During the Eid sermon, delivered by Imam Sheikh Abdullahi Yusuf, the significance of the day was emphasised, with a call for steadfastness in faith and a reminder to abstain from sin.

ID vetting

Notably, CS Duale expressed gratitude towards President William Ruto for his commitment to abolish the vetting exercise for Muslims seeking Kenyan National Identification cards.

Defence CS Aden Duale at Eastleigh High School on April 10, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

President Ruto's announcement, made during an Iftar dinner at State House on Monday, outlined plans to eliminate vetting requirements starting May 1st, in a bid to prevent discrimination against individuals based on religion or region.

Defence CS Aden Duale, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, and other leaders join Muslims in Eastleigh to mark Eid-ul Fitr at Eastleigh High School on April 10, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

The CS hailed this decision as a victory for Muslims, condemning the vetting process as unconstitutional and discriminatory since Kenya's independence.

"The vetting was illegal and was against our constitution, we thank the president for promising to do away with it," he said.

Furthermore, Duale revealed expedited procedures for Muslims planning to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage this year, assuring passport issuance within two to three days.

MP Yusuf Hassan echoed sentiments of unity and compassion, urging Muslims to remember the less fortunate and pray for those facing hardship.

"It is a happy day, it is a peaceful day, and we live in a harmonious and peaceful country," expressed the MP emphasising the importance of collective prayers and solidarity.

Eid prayers in Eastleigh were also held in several other locations including Business Bay Square, Masjid Abubakar on Sixth Street, Maina Wanjigi Secondary School, Zawadi Primary School and several other mosques.

Following the prayers, Muslims dispersed to various locations to partake in their first breakfast post-Ramadan, marking the beginning of festive gatherings and feasting among families and communities across the nation.