Kipchumba Murkomen Announces Friday, March 20 as the main day of Idd

Kenya will observe Friday, March 20, as a public holiday set aside for Idd-ul-Fitr, following a gazette announcement by Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen.
The festival, known as the “Breaking the Fast Festival,” celebrates the end of Ramadan with prayers, family gatherings, feasts, and charity.
Like Idd-ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha is also celebrated as a public holiday in Kenya, declared under the Public Holidays Act

Kenyans will celebrate a public holiday this Friday, March 20.

Internal Security Minister Kipchumba Murkomen speaking in the previous session in the Senate. Photo: Kipchumba Murkomen.
Source: Twitter

Newspaper advertisement issued by the Minister of Interior Dating Murkomen on Wednesday, March 18, declared the day to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr.

“It is hereby notified for general public notice that, in exercise of the authority given by section 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act, the Minister of Interior and National Administration announces that Friday, March 20, 2026, will be a Public Holiday to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr,” the statement read.

Also read

Karungo of Thang’wa Introduces His Beautiful Wife and Daughters During His Mother’s Funeral

Murkomen’s orders give civil servants and non-essential workers a day off on that day.

Known as the “Great Day of Breaking the Fast,” Idd-ul-Fitr is celebrated worldwide by Muslims to mark the end of Ramadan.

This event begins with prayers and subsequent family and community gatherings.

It is distinguished by feasts and acts of charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, with the celebrants setting aside that day to help the needy.

After Idd-ul-Fitr comes Idd-al-Adha, popularly known as “The Great Day of Atonement.”

It is the second day of the two major Islamic holidays that are celebrated around the world every year.

Idd-al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijja, the last month of the month in the Islamic calendar, and continues for three more days.

This festival celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s desire to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command.

Like Idd-ul-Fitr, Idd-al-Adha is also celebrated with a public holiday.

In Kenya, the authority to declare public holidays rests with the Minister of Home Affairs and National Government Coordination, as stipulated under the Public Holidays Act.

Why did Murkomen declare October 17 as a public day?

Last October, the Minister of Interior declared the 17th day of the month as a public holiday as the nation would be celebrating the national funeral of the deceased Raila Odinga.

Raila died on October 15 in India while undergoing treatment.

ODM leader Raila Odinga. — The late Raila Odinga at the previous event; died in India on October 15. Photo: Azimio TV.
Source: Facebook

The holiday announcement came as Kenyans await the return of Raila’s body from India. His remains were scheduled to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on the morning of October 16.

Shortly after Raila’s death, President William Ruto sent a government delegation to India to return the remains of the late leader.

Led by the Prime Minister Stay Mudavadithe delegation included Home Affairs Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, Minister of Mines Hassan Joho, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

The Indian government facilitated the repatriation, honoring Raila before the plane left Mumbai.

The team led by Mudavadi is in the plane of Kenya Airways KQ202.