Ole Naado calls for ceasefire in Gaza as Muslims mark Idd
By Kevin CheruiyotSupreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) National Chairman Hassan Ole Naado has called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in Palestine.
In his Idd-ul-Fitr message to the Muslim community marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan, Mr Naado said the people of Palestine were suffering as a result of the ongoing Israeli operation targeting the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas.
He said that as the Muslim community celebrates Eid this year, the fact remains that there are many people around the world who will be celebrating this year’s Idd-ul-Fitr under very difficult circumstances.
“Therefore, as we celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr, the Supreme Council calls upon the Muslim community to pray for the peace and tranquility of the Palestinian people by calling upon the international community to ensure the enforcement of the United Nations Security Council Resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza,” said Ole Naado.
“We are particularly thinking of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank who are celebrating this year’s Idd-ul-Fitr under a devastating war that has killed thousands of men, women and children and left hundreds of thousands in a humanitarian crisis.”
The UN has said that at least 33,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 70,000 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7, when the operation began.
The war was triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel during the festival, which claimed more than 1,000 lives.
Mr Naado has also urged Muslims who have not been able to fast for one reason or another to do so during the coming holy month of Ramadhan.
This comes after Interior Cabinet Secretary Professor Kithure Kindiki declared Wednesday, April 10 a public holiday to observe the Eid celebrations.
President William Ruto has wished Muslims across the country a happy Eid, saying it is an opportunity for all faith communities to stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters by showing gratitude to Almighty God.
“I join the people of Kenya in extending warm congratulations and best wishes to the Muslim faithful across our country as they celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan,” said President Ruto.
Here are some photos from the celebrations: