Calls for peace dominate Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations

Muslims in the country marked Eid-Ul-Adha with calls for unity in the country ahead of the August 9 General Election.

Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar asked Muslim faithful to preach peace and help the less privileged in society.

“We urge Kenyans to continue coexisting in harmony. Let’s unite and help those who are in need,” he said.

Muhdhar, who was flanked by some Mombasa leaders, urged Kenyans not to accept to be divided by politics and instead unite for the sake of the peace of the country.

“Without any victimisation, we urge everyone to love his neighbour and share. We also pray to God to lead our nation as we come close to the elections so that we can continue being blessed with peace,” said Muhdhar.

Large family

Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir emphasised the need for the unity of Mombasa people regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.

Nassir asked the media to focus on important issues that can foster peace in Mombasa and countrywide.

“We are calling for unity on this day in which we consider one of the most important in our Islamic tradition. On a day like this, we need to forgive each other and be like the one large family we are known to be,” said Nassir, who is a candidate for Mombasa governor.

In Kilifi, Pamoja Africa Alliance PAA governor candidate George Kithi challenged residents to elect leaders based on their development plans and record.

He was speaking at Bahari Gates Centre when he hosted Muslims for a Eid baraza meeting.

Kithi, who is seeking to succeed Governor Amason Kingi, asked residents to elect a PAA administration, saying it will improve the county.

“We ask our people not to gamble with their votes. Our people need development because that is what leaders are elected to do. So we urge them to vote for a PAA government and they will reap the benefits of development,” said Kithi.

Goat traders

Jomvu MP Badi Twalib said as the nation approaches the General Election, Kenyans should vote for Azimio-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga, saying he had always stood with the Muslim community.

“Raila Odinga has demonstrated his will to stand with the Muslim community. We therefore believe once elected he will champion for our rights,” said Twalib who also drummed up support for Abdulswamad.

He added: “Even as we celebrate this day with those in need, I would like to urge our youth to be very cautious of activities that tend to threaten peace as we must be our brother’s keeper,” said Twalib.

At the same time goat traders at the Kikowani area made a killing as residents flocked to purchase the animals for feasting.

Around the city centre and Mwembe Tayari area, it was a beehive of activity as faithful shopped for the celebrations.

Eid-Ul-Adha is celebrated to mark the end of Hajj, the yearly holy pilgrimage to Mecca.

The celebrations take place on Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar.

In the first 10 days of the holy month, Muslims undergo holy rituals called Hajj in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, while those at home are expected to fast and pray.

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