It is feared that the death toll could be higher, as more than half of the victims were unregistered worshippers who performed the pilgrimage in extreme heat.
Brahim Chaibi, the minister of religious affairs, has been fired following the deaths of at least 49 Tunisians due to the extreme heat in Saudi Arabia this past week.
Stampedes, tent fires and other accidents have caused hundreds of deaths during Hajj in the past 30 years, forcing the Saudi government to build new infrastructure. The authorities now face new challenges in protecting pilgrims from extreme heat.
Kenyan pilgrims have complained about unfair treatment, citing crammed living spaces, inadequate bathroom facilities, and high transport costs, issues which some say necessitate reforms.
In the last year of his life, the Prophet (peace be upon him) informed the Muslims that he would be performing Hajj that year.
While many prefer to buy goats from Kiamaiko, the largest goat market in Nairobi, some traders have eased the burden by bringing the goats to Eastleigh.
Dressed in white, worshippers began arriving at dawn for the most challenging day of the rituals, climbing the 70-metre hill where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon.
A total of 3,300 Kenyan Muslims are participating in this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca and are looking forward to enjoying the accommodation arrangements made by Saudi Arabia.
In Eastleigh, most restaurants are expected to be closed during the day as many Muslims will be fasting from dawn to dusk. However, other activities will continue as usual.
Mecca and Medina will witness an increase in average temperatures of one and a half to two degrees above normal.
The Hajj Committee, established in October 2023 with nine members, is responsible for managing travel and logistics for pilgrims.
This departure marks the beginning of a phased travel plan for Kenyan pilgrims. In total, 3,300 Kenyans are expected to participate in this year's Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
This pilgrimage, while spiritually significant, is also fraught with challenges. Some pilgrims do not return home alive. These deaths can occur for various reasons, including accidents or health issues.
Sheikh Al-Muaiqly's duty this year underscores the significance of his roles in spreading Islamic teachings.
On Thursday, 500 pilgrims touched down in Saudi Arabia, with 11,000 Somalis anticipated to participate in this year's pilgrimage to Mecca.
Since Israel initiated its military campaign in Gaza last October, over 33,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, including 14,500 children and 9,500 women.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has announced that 4,500 Kenyans are set to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The burial ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 1:00 PM, where friends, family, and colleagues will pay their last respects to the departed soul.
Hajj Abdullahi Gonjobe, the Chairperson of the Borana Council of Elders, has issued a heartfelt appeal to the pastoralist community, urging unity and a spirit of camaraderie.