Messages of unity, compassion and care for the less fortunate dominated Eid ul-Adha prayers in Mombasa, where Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho urged residents to register on the Boma Yangu platform to become homeowners.
During the prayers led by Sheikh Islam Salim at Masjid Ummu Kulthum grounds, worshippers were urged to unite, show love, and assist the needy during the celebrations.
The faithful were also reminded to observe the teachings of the Qur’an in performing the ritual sacrifice.
CS Joho called for unity, forgiveness, and compassion among Kenyans. He also prayed for the pilgrims to be safe as they continued with acts of worship.
Eid ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed on the tenth day of Dhul Hijja in the Islamic lunar calendar, coinciding with the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is obligatory only for those who are capable financially and in good health.
The festival of sacrifice is important in the Islamic faith since Muslims commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s consecration and willingness to sacrifice his son. This was a command from God to test Prophet Ibrahim’s commitment. At last, he slaughtered a ram in place of his son.
Muslims, after the Eid prayers, slaughter an animal as a remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to slaughter his son. The animal must be of good health and attain a certain age to be slaughtered.
The meat is distributed in three portions: one for the family, another for friends and neighbours, and the final portion for the less fortunate.
The CS further urged Mombasa residents to register for the upcoming Nyali Affordable Housing project to secure decent houses where construction of 1976 housing units is rapidly taking shape at the 23-acre prime land along the Mombasa-Malindi highway bordering the upmarket Nyali suburb.
The 1,976 housing units are categorised into Social Housing, Affordable Housing, and Market Rate Housing where additional amenities will include a Level Four hospital, an Early Childhood Development Education Centre (ECDE), and primary and secondary schools.
“I urged with utmost respect for locals to log onto the Boma Yangu platform and register. We don’t want to create a situation where they have not registered, and what is meant for them goes elsewhere; there will be problems,” appealed the CS.
The development also includes a dual-purpose component with both residential and public sections. The public area will feature a commercial centre and a municipal market with 1,000 stalls. Originally planned as an Economic Stimulus Project, the market was later converted into a municipal facility.
“I want to appeal with a lot of humility: go and register to be a homeowner in these projects. This is a lifestyle upgrade,” urged the CS.
The CS steered away from politics, saying his focus is to deliver on his ministerial mandate to improve the lives of Kenyans.
County Commissioner Mohamed Noor confirmed that the Port City of Mombasa is safe, days after nine suspects were arrested at their hideout in Mtwapa for targeting bank customers.
The CC further encouraged Mombasa youths to apply for the 3000 Climate Worx job opportunities as announced by the government during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay.
President William Ruto announced the nationwide rollout of the ambitious Climate Workx initiative, which aims to engage 110,000 youths across all 47 counties. The programme was initially launched in Nairobi last year.
Designed as a social protection initiative, Climate Workx will involve youth in delivering essential public goods such as road construction and maintenance, tree planting, and environmental sanitation improvements within their communities.
“The application link has been provided. We are giving a ten-day application window, then we shortlist.”
By Sadik Hassan
