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Leaders in the country conveyed messages of warm wishes to the Muslim Community across the world as they commenced the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho are some of the national leaders who called on the Muslim faithful to embrace holiness, peace and forgiveness as well as remembering the less fortunate in the community during the fasting period.

This as the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) appealed to the government to cushion Kenyans from the high cost of foodstuff during Ramadhan.

National Secretary Sheik Mohamed Khalifa said many Kenyans, including the Muslim community, are enduring tough economic times due to the high cost of living, urging the government to make quick interventions to cushion fasting Muslims.

Waive prices

“We ask the government, just as it waived taxes of dates, to waive prices of maize, wheat flour and rice so that when Muslims break the fast, they all can afford something to eat,” said Khalifa.

Speaking at the organisation offices in Mwembe Tayari, Mombasa, Khalifa showered Muslims with encouraging messages as they began the holy month.

“This is the best time to give to the vulnerable because it’s Ramadhan and, therefore, first we thank the government for the waiver on dates, therefore, similarly, we ask it to look at the prices of commonly consumed foods to cushion the public,” said Khalifa.

“This year’s Ramadhan has come at a time Kenyans are suffering, things like coconuts, onions, tomatoes are high, we also ask business people to consider not raising the prices of these products,” he said.

The organisation is also calling for smooth flow of water supply in Mombasa.

During the month of Ramadhan, Muslims are obligated to fast every day from dawn to dusk. Fasting requires abstinence from food and drink for 12 hours. During this period, Muslims are also required to abstain from sexual acts.

President Ruto sent warm wishes urging Kenyans of goodwill to show support for Muslims as the begin observing “the blessed month of Ramadhan.”

“During the holy month, Muslims devote themselves to selfless sacrifice, charity, piety and discipline as expressions of their faith. They thus invite all of us, as a nation united in submission to the Almighty God of All Creation, to appreciate the vital role of faith in positively enhancing various aspects of our lives,” the president stated in a statement posted on his various social media accounts.

He said the Muslim community in Kenya remains consistent in its positive contribution to the unity, stability and development of Kenya, adding that Ramadhan offers  an  opportunity to witness and appreciate the essential functions of prayer and giving, which benefit our families, communities and the nation.

“I join all Kenyans, from all walks of life, throughout the nation, in expressing solidarity with Muslims, particularly as they endeavour to attain piety and righteousness by fasting, prayer and other worthy acts during the holy month of Ramadhan. May your sacrifices please God, and may you and your families be blessed abundantly,” stated the president.

 Gachagua wished Muslims a peaceful Ramadhan and called on Kenyans to remember the less fortunate during the holy month. “To our Muslim brothers and sisters, and all Kenyans, let us spread love and cheers at this Holy Month of Ramadhan and particularly, remember the less fortunate,” he tweeted.

Joho said there is a need to embody the spirit of compassion, forgiveness and peaceful co-existence.

“As we observe Ramadhan through fast and prayers, we should also embody the true spirit of compassion, forgiveness and peaceful co-existence. May this Ramadhan bring us peace, prosperity and blessings beyond measure,” Joho said.

This year’s Ramadhan will end on Tuesday, April 9, depending on the sighting of the moon. These are estimated days of Ramadhan according to the Islamic calendar which follows the lunar cycle.