In-pictures27 May 2026 - 15:00

[PHOTOS] Muslims mark Eid al-Adha with sacrifice and charity in Nairobi

The celebrations marked by the ritual slaughter of goats symbolising sacrifice and compassion for the needy

by DOUGLAS OKIDDY

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Thousands of Muslim faithful gathered at prayer grounds across Nairobi on Wednesday to celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar marked by prayer, sacrifice and acts of charity.

At the historic Kamukunji Grounds and Sir Ali Muslim Club in Nairobi, men, women and children turned up in large numbers for special morning prayers as the city joined millions of Muslims around the world in observing the holy occasion.

The celebrations were also marked by the ritual slaughter of goats and other animals, symbolising sacrifice and compassion for the needy.

In Majengo, Muslim faithful, including Asman Yahya, Halili Waweru and Ali Tajiri, were among those who participated in the sacrifice of a goat as part of the Eid al-Adha traditions.

The meat from the sacrificed animals is traditionally shared among family, friends and vulnerable members of society in line with Islamic teachings on generosity and caring for the less fortunate.

At the Sir Ali grounds, worshippers dressed in colourful traditional attire lined up in rows for prayers, with religious leaders calling for peace, unity and compassion among Kenyans.

Others gathered at Kamukunji Historical Grounds from early morning, with families arriving for prayers and celebrations as security officers maintained order around the venue.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command before God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.

The festival is observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

For Muslims, the day serves as a reminder of faith, obedience, sacrifice and helping those in need. Beyond the prayers and celebrations, the occasion strongly emphasises charity, family unity and sharing blessings with the less fortunate in society.