President William Ruto has promised to consider the Hindu community’s request to make Diwali a recognised national holiday in the country.

Speaking at the State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Ruto told the Hindu community that his administration would subject their request to a parliamentary process.

He added that a final decision would be made before the next Diwali.

“I have heard your request on the issue of having Diwali as a national holiday, I will undertake to subject to the process of government, the speaker is here,” Ruto stated.

“If it has to happen, it has to go through Parliament but I want to assure you that we will have decided by the next Diwali,” Ruto added.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Wetang’ula’s push

Ruto’s promise came after the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Masika Wetang’ula vowed to expedite the process of including Diwali among the recognised holidays in the country.

Wetang’ula indicated that the National Assembly only requires the nod from the Head of State to subject the issue before the legislative route.

“Your Excellency, if you decide to give the Hindu a holiday, I will put the question very quickly in Parliament,” Wetang’ula stated.

Besides making a promise on Diwali, Ruto lauded the Hindu culture insisting that it has helped promote the values of co-existence and prosperity in the country.

“Diwali, the Festival of Lights, reminds us of the enduring power of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

“These values transcend any single culture. They resonate with all of us and drive our collective efforts to build a prosperous Kenya,” Ruto’s statement read in part.

Moreover, he used the platform to emphasise that his administration would not clamp down on religious organisations.

“There will be no interference or limitations to religion in our country. We will protect the right of every Kenyan to worship,” he stated.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, reminds us of the enduring power of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

These values transcend any single culture. They resonate with all of us and drive our collective efforts to build a prosperous Kenya.

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— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) October 30, 2024