CS Kipchumba Murkomen Declares Friday, June 6 Public Holiday to Mark Eid-ul-Adha

• Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen released a Gazette Notice declaring June 6 a public holiday
• The CS said the move is to allow Kenyans to mark Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar
• The day marks the moment when Prophet Ibrahim showed his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared Friday, June 6, a public holiday.

What is Eid-ul-Adha?

In a Gazette Notice dated Tuesday, June 3, Murkomen cited the Public Holiday Act (Cap 110), which gives him powers to declare a public holiday.

"Declaration of public holiday, it is notified for the general information of the public that in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, 6th June, 2025, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha," Murkomen said.

On this day, some Kenyans will not be required to report to work.

Eid-ul-Adha, which is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar.

What happens during Eid-ul-Adha celebrations?

This announcement gives Muslims nationwide the opportunity to prepare for the religious observances, which include prayers, acts of charity, and sharing meals with family and community.

Murkomen’s declaration follows the tradition of past governments in recognising Islamic religious festivals as national holidays, promoting inclusivity and religious freedom for all.

Eid-ul-Adha celebrations vary in length, ranging from two to four days, depending on the country. The ritual of Qurbani (sacrifice) takes place after the Eid Salaah (Eid prayers), which are offered in congregation at the local mosque on Eid morning.

For the sacrifice, the animal must be one of the following: a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull, or camel. A sheep, lamb, or goat represents one Qurbani share, while a bull, cow, or camel accounts for seven shares.

The animal must be healthy and meet specific age requirements, and it must be killed in a manner that aligns with halal Islamic practices.

Why are Kenyans excited about the upcoming Friday holiday?

Friday will be a second holiday for Kenyans in just one week. Coming just four days after the Madaraka Day holiday, which was celebrated on Sunday, June 1, and observed by civil servants on Monday, June 2, Kenyans have not shied away from celebrating the Friday in advance.

It will be the first time in a long time that Kenyan civil servants will be enjoying two consecutive extended weekends.

Despite criticising the government for most of the year over high taxation, corruption, and other missteps, Kenyans had one reason to thank President William Ruto's government.

Some even satirically suggested that the off days were becoming too much and asked God to bless the citizens of other countries.

The Friday and Monday holidays are often preferred and celebrated by civil servants in Kenya because they prolong the weekends by an extra.

However, after the Friday celebration, Kenyans will have to wait for four months to observe another holiday on October 20, which will also fall on a Monday.

Ruto faults Muturi for 'sabotaging' Muslims

In a separate development, President William Ruto criticised former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, accusing him of stalling the implementation of the Waqf charitable endowment.

Ruto claimed that during Muturi’s time as Attorney General, he was expected to facilitate the establishment of the Islamic charity initiative but failed to do so.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on March 25 while hosting Muslims for an Iftar dinner, Ruto noted that progress on Waqf would now accelerate, citing greater cooperation from current Attorney General Dorcas Oduor. He described Muturi as "incompetent" in handling the matter.

Just a day after making the remarks, Ruto dismissed Muturi from the Cabinet and nominated Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku as his replacement.

Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on why most Kenyans are excited about the upcoming Friday holiday.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke