Muslims begin Idd ul Fitr celebrations with calls to end insecurity

NAIROBI, KENYA: Muslims across the country began celebrations of Idd ul Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan with prayer and merry-making.

Since morning, thousands of muslims have been gathering in various locations across the country for prayers and celebrations, as they join their fellow faithfuls in other parts of the world in marking one of the big days in the muslim calendar.

In Nairobi, a large number of muslims gathered at Sir Ali Muslim Club in Parkroad Ngara  and other locations around the city to offer prayers, after which they returned home for a variety of delicacies to spice up the celebrations.

There was free flow of special dishes and non-alcoholic drinks as merry-makers had a good time with their family members and friends.

In Nairobi's Eastleigh estate, businesses are virtually shut down until late mid-morning as people stream to mosques for prayers, clad in the traditional white flowing robes for men and black for women.

"I thank God for successfully completing the fasting month of Ramadhan. I hope I have become a better person. I pray for peace in the country and harmony among Kenyans," said Anisa Abdi, a resident of the estate.

In Mombasa, Chief Kadhi Sheikh  Ahmad Muhdhar led faithfuls in prayer at Mombasa County stadium grounds where he called for enhanced efforts to build bridges among Kenyans.

"More work is needed to bring Kenyans together, irrespective of their religious and ethnic differences. Let us focus on what brings us together not what separates us," he said.

On his part, Sheikh Mohammad Dor, called on muslims to rededicate themselves to the fundamental character of Idd ul Fitr by extending a hand of help to the needy.

" It would not make sense for one family to have a lot to eat and celebrate while another family is miserable and going hungry. That goes against the spirit of Islam. Let us search out the needy ones in the community and assist them," he advised.

In their speeches, muslim leaders have expressed concern over rising insecurity in the country, especially in the Coast region. 

Sheikh Abdulmalik Kipsang called on political leaders to end their ego-based political contests and instead work together to deliver the country from the atmosphere of insecurity. 

"The main focus of the leaders in government and opposition should be to create jobs, especially for the youth as a strategy of fighting insecurity in the country. A lot of youth are wasting away without decent jobs," he said.

He called on muslims to share the celebrations with other Kenyans, by inviting them for meals and drinks in their homes as a show of national solidarity.

At Eastleigh High school grounds where thousands of worshippers gathered for prayer, speeches were dominated by recent police operations against immigrants, a move they termed as unfair to the area residents.

Somali community elder Osman Mohammed called on the government to reinstate the official alien card which allows immigrants to live and engage in economic activities in Kenya until they are able to return to their country. 

The alien card, introduced in 2006, allowed immigrants all rights, including investing in the country, owning property among others, except that holders of the card were not allowed to vote in national and local elections, or hold public office.

However, the alien card was rejected as a legitimate document which immigrants could use to stay in Nairobi and urban centres during the massive police operations in May this year against persons deemed "illegal immigrants." 

Even those immigrants with such cards were arrested, with some being deported while others forciby taken to refugee camps. This came after orders from Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Joseoh Ole Lenku.

Residents of Eastleigh also lamented about the policy of collective profiling and punishment of certain communities whenever insecurity incidents happen in the country.