Thousands of Muslims gathered at mosques and open prayer grounds across Nairobi on Wednesday to celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar.
From the early hours of the morning, worshippers dressed in colourful traditional attire streamed into neighbourhood prayer grounds in areas including Majengo, Eastleigh and South C. Families embraced after prayers. Children played nearby as volunteers prepared meat for distribution to vulnerable families.
The public holiday, declared earlier this week by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, gave Muslims across the country time to mark the occasion with prayer, sacrifice and acts of charity.
Eid al-Adha, often referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before, according to Islamic belief, God provided a ram in his place.
In Majengo, several families took part in the ritual slaughter of goats shortly after morning prayers. Among them were Asman Yahya, Halili Waweru and Ali Tajiri, who said the day carried deep spiritual meaning beyond the celebrations.
“We are reminded to share with others and to remember people who may not have enough,” Tajiri said while helping distribute portions of meat to neighbours and low-income families.
Under Islamic tradition, the meat from sacrificed animals is divided among relatives, friends and people in need. The practice is seen as both a religious duty and a symbol of compassion and community support.
Across the city, mosques urged worshippers to use the occasion to strengthen family ties and support struggling households facing rising living costs.
Religious leaders also called for peace and unity, with sermons focusing on faith, humility and generosity.
For many families, the day blended worship with celebration. Streets around several estates were filled with the aroma of roasted meat as relatives gathered for shared meals after prayers.
Eid al-Adha coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, where millions of Muslims from around the world gather each year.
In Kenya, the celebration remains one of the most significant religious events for the Muslim community, bringing together worshippers from different backgrounds in a shared moment of reflection, sacrifice and charity.
