Muslims across the country joined other faithful around the world in celebrating Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most sacred holidays in the Islamic calendar, with vibrant festivities and spiritual reflection.

The occasion celebrated on June 6, 2025, came amid calls for national unity and a cooling of political temperatures to allow the government to focus on development.

At Masjid Ummu Kulthum in Kizingo, Mombasa, hundreds of worshippers gathered for prayers, led by Sheikh Islam Ahmed.  

The congregation included notable figures such as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho, his brother and businessman Abu Joho and Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri.

Joho, previously a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration—particularly during last year’s opposition to the Finance Bill­—was in full support of the government this year.

He took the opportunity to rally behind the affordable housing project currently underway in the VoK area in Nyali constituency.

“Registration is ongoing for 1,976 housing units. I appeal, with all humility, to Mombasa residents—please log into the Boma Yangu portal and register. These homes are for you. It would be a great loss if people from outside Mombasa end up occupying them,” Joho said.  

Politics aside

Defending a recent meeting between the Coast Parliamentary Group and President Ruto at State House, Joho urged critics to see such interactions as development-driven.

“What’s wrong with leaders sitting down with the president? The presidency is the hub of national development. Engagements like these are how we bring progress to the region,” he said.

Joho also downplayed speculation about early 2027 political realignments, urging Kenyans to focus on development in the present.

He reassured the public that the long-stalled, scandal-ridden Ksh1.4 billion Liwatoni Fisheries Complex will become operational this year, alongside the Shimoni Fish Port.

In his sermon, Sheikh Islam Ahmed emphasised peace and unity, urging Muslims to uphold the values of compassion and community as prescribed by Islam.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Nur Hassan on his part raised alarm over a rising trend of robberies targeting bank and ATM customers.

“Just recently, we arrested nine suspects and confiscated eight vehicles. These individuals loiter near banking halls and listen to ATM machines to estimate cash withdrawals,” he said, noting that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is actively pursuing the network.

The county commissioner also encouraged Mombasa residents to apply for 3,000 available slots under a local climate work initiative, with successful applicants to be shortlisted within ten days.

After the morning prayers, Mombasa was abuzz with merriment. Families gathered to slaughter livestock in commemoration of Abraham’s sacrifice, sharing food with relatives, neighbours and the less fortunate.

Festive meals, colourful gatherings, and prayers for prosperity defined the mood of the day.

Major moment

At the Kikowani livestock market, however, traders expressed concern over rising prices driven by increased taxes.

“This year, taxes have shot up. We used to pay Ksh20 per goat as cess; now it’s Ksh100,” said Hussein Abdulsalam Habshi, a long-time goat seller. “The cheapest goat goes for Ksh7,000, with some fetching as high as Ksh25,000.”

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is the second of two major Islamic holidays, following Eid al-Fitr.

It commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s ultimate act of obedience to God when he was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmael.  

In a divine intervention, God sent the Angel Gabriel with a ram to be sacrificed instead.

The holiday is observed on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and coincides with the third day of Hajj—the pilgrimage to Mecca that every able Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime.