Over 20,000 Nyali families feast on 100 bulls in Eid celebrations

Said Abdallah Foundation chair Said “Saido” Abdallah at Mkomani showground on Wednesday / JOHN CHESOLI

Some of the slaughtered bulls at Mkomani showground awaiting distribution to the five wards of Nyali sub-county on Wednesday / JOHN CHESOLI

Hundreds of less privileged families on Wednesday had reason to smile after being treated to a feast during Eid-ul-Adha celebrations in Nyali, Mombasa county.

About 100 bulls were slaughtered and distributed across the five wards in Nyali, with each ward receiving 20 bulls.

The initiative, sponsored by the Said Abdalla Foundation, was carried out at Mkomani Showground before the meat was distributed by lorries to Mkomani, Kongowea, Ziwa la Ng’ombe, Kadzandani and Frere Town wards.

Representatives from each ward were present at the showground as the slaughtering process was supervised by the Foundation’s chairman, Said “Saido” Abdalla.

Abdalla said orphanages and rehabilitation centres were also included in the distribution.

“Eid-ul-Adha is a celebration of sacrifice. We want to ensure that every less privileged family in Nyali enjoys what others enjoy,” he said.

More than 20,000 families, orphans and people recovering from addiction benefited from the distribution.

Eid-ul-Adha, the second and most significant of the two Eid celebrations, is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God.

It usually marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims who are financially able perform the ritual sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel, with the meat shared into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.

Abdalla said many families in Nyali rarely afford meat due to economic challenges, especially amid the current cost-of-living pressures.

“These families are part of our community in Nyali and must also feel included. We want them to enjoy this holiday and other moments during the year,” he said.

He added that the foundation also distributes food items to vulnerable families whenever possible.

“It pains me to see families sitting outside mosques on Fridays begging for food and money,” he said.

Abdalla said the foundation is exploring ways to develop a sustainable programme that can help such families become self-reliant.

In Mombasa, it is common to see less privileged families gathering outside mosques and Muslim-owned businesses, especially during Friday prayers (Dhuhr), seeking food or assistance.

Fridays are regarded as special prayer days in Islam, and many vulnerable families often rely on charity during these times.