Kenya’s Interior and National Administration Ministry Cabinet Secretary, Professor Kithure Kindiki, has come under fire for declaring Friday, April 21, 2023, a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr.
Photo courtesy.
The announcement was met with criticism from some members of the Muslim community who argued that the holiday was being declared prematurely. Senior Counsel Ahmednassir Abdullahi, a key ally of President William Ruto, took to Twitter to express his frustration, calling the decision “PLAINLY STUPID.”
Senior Counsel Ahmednassir Abdullahi. (Photo courtesy).
Friday, April 21, 2023, is the 30th day of Ramadan, which is the holy month of fasting for Muslims. According to the Islamic calendar, the sighting of the crescent moon marks the end of the month of Ramadan and the beginning of the next month, Shawwal. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal.
Ahmedkadar, a famous communication strategist working under Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Defense Aden Duale, also expressed his disbelief on Twitter. He asked, “On what basis are they declaring Friday Idd-ul-Fitr? Friday maybe the 30th day of Ramadan. The month of Shabaan ended on the 29th day. How do we declare Eid day on the 28th day of Ramadan? Makes no sense at all.”
Many members of the Muslim community are now questioning the decision and are calling on the government to reconsider. Some have even suggested that the government should wait until the sighting of the crescent moon before declaring the holiday.
The controversy surrounding the announcement has sparked a wider debate about the government’s understanding of Islamic traditions and the need for greater consultation with the Muslim community before making such decisions.
As of now, there has been no response from the Interior and National Administration Ministry Cabinet Secretary, Professor Kithure Kindiki, on the matter.
by: Politics24/7