Kenyan Muslims Monday marked Eid-ul-Fitr prayers and celebration amid calls for peace, love and unity as the country heads towards transitional General Election.
Former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Hammad Kassim led the special prayer at Ronald Ngala primary school playing grounds.
In his sermon, Kassim challenged Kenyans to be wise enough to learn from the past pitfalls of electing leaders with questionable integrity and lack of empathy towards them.
“This election grants another golden opportunity for the citizens to elect leaders who care for their wellbeing. It should not be a case where we elect leaders and start regretting,” added Kassim.
He further observed that the right to voting should not be exercised in the wrong manner by electing leaders on the basis of tribes, friendship or kinships.
“We advise Muslims and Kenyans at large to be very cautious of the kind of leaders they will vote for in the upcoming polls. Leadership is a covenant from God and every leader shall be held to account for his action before our Creator. I plead to your leaders to be wary of the consequence of your actions,” remarked the former Chief Kadhi.
Sheikh Kassim further reiterated that the country trajectory has always been determined by the decision of the electorates adding that it is incumbent upon Kenyans to elect “tested, servant and selfless leaders.”
“It is the duty of Kenyans to measure the quality of the leaders who have presented their candidature for various elective positions. They have no option but to elect leaders who will not put the country into jeopardy,” he added.
He observed that it is unwise for individuals to seek leadership positions due to the hefty pay attached to the positions they are seeking.
Sheikh Kassim also praised his successor Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar and other Kadhis spread across the country for ensuring Muslims are united in observing Eid-ul-Fitr prayers and celebrations.
“We are happy that God has united us. Our disunity has always been against our religion. It is only Ramadhan and Eid prayers where we are divided and not in observing the five daily prayers and pilgrimage. We pray that our unity will exist forever,” he remarked.
Sheikh Muhdhar thanked Muslims for observing peace and unity throughout the holiday month.
Muhdhar called on Muslims to give charitable offerings such as meat, other foodstuff, cash and gifts to the poor, needy, widows and orphans to make them joyful in celebrating the annual Islamic event.
He also called for peaceful co-existence among Kenyans especially during the current electioneering period.
This is the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19 that Muslims will be allowed to mingle and worship without adhering to strict Covid-19 restrictions.
Governor Hassan Joho, who led other elected leaders in attending the Eid prayers challenges politicians to desist from politics of hatred.
Joho who said he was on his way out of active politics challenged aspirants to shun violence and bickering that would cause disunity among Kenyans.
He said the Holy Month of Ramadhan gave leaders an opportunity to redeem themselves and reflect on their actions while serving the electorates.
Present at the occasion included Senior Principal Kadhi Sheikh Twalib Mohamed, Kenya National Muslim Advisory Council (KEMNAC) national Chairman Sheikh Juma Ngao, Mr Nassir, Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib and Mombasa businessman cum politician Suleiman Shahbal.
The government has in a special gazette notice declared Tuesday, May 3, 2022 a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr.
By Galgalo Bocha
