Leaders have come out to wish Muslim faithful blessings and prosperity as they celebrate Eid al-Aldha.
Azimio Chief Raila Odinga prayed that as Muslims celebrate this joyous event they may be filled with happiness and serenity.
" I wish a wonderful Eid to all of our Muslim brothers and sisters. May this joyous event bring you and your loved ones much happiness, serenity, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak to you all," Raila said.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on his part joined fellow Muslims on Sunday for the celebrations in Garissa county.
Duale joined fellow Muslims at the General Mahmoud Eid ground, Garissa County, for Eid-ul-Adha prayers.
The CS said Eid-ul-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is a major Islamic holiday honouring Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
" The celebration in Garissa was a testament to community spirit, dissolving social barriers and uniting everyone in shared faith and humanity," Duale said.
" Eid Mubarak to all Muslims, and may the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha inspire kindness and unity in our communities and nation."
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir prayed that this year's Eid al-Aldha be filled with love and happiness.
"Eid Mubarak! May Allah accept all your worship in these days of Dhul Hijjah and bless you with what your heart desires. Wishing all of you a joyous Eid! May your Eid be filled with love and happiness," Nassir said.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah also wished a "happy Eid Al Adha to all Muslim brothers and sisters"
To commemorate the celebrations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki declared Monday a public holiday.
"It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act, declares Monday, June 17, 2024, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid - Al - Adha," the notice dated June 14, reads.
The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's devotion to Allah and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
The Feast of Sacrifice is one of Islam's two most important holidays.
The holiday celebrates the time when Ibrahim had a dream which he believed was a message from Allah asking him to sacrifice his son Isma'il as an act of obedience to God.
The devil tempted Ibrahim by saying he should disobey Allah and spare his son.
As Ibrahim was about to kill his son, Allah stopped him and gave him a lamb to sacrifice instead.
In some countries, Muslims sacrifice a sheep or goat and the meat is shared equally between family, friends and the poor.
Eid usually starts with Muslims going to the Mosque for prayers.
They dress in their best clothes and thank Allah for all the blessings they have received.
It is also a time when they visit family and friends.
Muslims will also give money to charity so that poor people can celebrate too.
Eid-Al-Adha is especially significant because it marks the end of the annual Hajj or Pilgrimage to Mecca, celebrated in the final month of the (lunar) Islamic calendar.