Muslims in Kenya celebrate Eid ul-Fitr ahead of gazetted date

Muslims celebrating Eid Ul Fitr at Sir Ali Muslim club today morning [PHOTO/

Nairobi, Kenya - Majority of the Muslims in Kenya are celebrating Eid Ul Fitr today, marking the official end of the fasting month of Ramadhan.

Thousands of Muslims gathered in various open fields across the country in the morning hours to conduct special prayers to kick off the celebrations.

This was after the new moon marking the end of the month of Ramadhan was sighted in various parts of the country last night including Coast and North Eastern regions.  Muslims follow the lunar calendar, not the solar one.

Another smaller group of Muslims are expected to celebrate on Saturday led by Chief Kadhi of Kenya Sheikh Ahmad Muhdhar to coincide with the public holiday.

In Sir Ali Muslim Club in Nairobi, where thousands of Muslims in flowing robes and dresses gathered for prayers, the overriding message was for Muslims to play their part in enhancing peace and socioeconomic development of the country.

"Muslims should abide strictly by the teachings of the Quran by living in peace and harmony with other communities," said Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu, the Imam of Nairobi's Jamia Mosque.

He also advised against departing from the true spirit of Ramadhan of self-denial as well as helping the needy members of the society.

Human Rights activist Al Amin Kimathi called on the government to uphold the rule of law in combating terrorism saying extra-judicial measures such as killings and disappearances have been proved to be ineffective.

He lamented that a significant number of youths have disappeared in the recent weeks and months after being arrested by police officers.

"Such strong arm tactics have failed in the past. A better approach is strengthening intelligence gathering and engaging local communities in order to isolate the few trouble makers. Collective punishment does not work," he said.

He added. "We call on President Barack Obama to prevail upon the Kenyan government to operate within the law in its counterterrorism actions."

Traditionally, Muslims have marked Eid by preparing special meals to share with families and friends.

Sheikh Abdulmalik Kipsang of Bungoma called on Muslims to share the merry-making with the rest of Kenyans.

"Let all Kenyans feel part of this day by inviting them to our homes and sharing our special meals with them.  This will enhance goodwill among Kenyans of different backgrounds," he said.