This year’s Idd Ul-Fitr celebrations were marked by concerns over rising insecurity and renewed calls for unity and peace.

Major security operations at the Coast saw the arrest of at least 200 youths linked to violent crime, while tensions over grazing rights escalated in Kilifi and Tana River. Religious leaders also urged faithful to embrace peace and charity, emphasising the importance of national cohesion.

On Sunday, during Idd prayers at Tononoka, Mombasa, Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho warned the youth that their future was in jeopardy if they engaged in crime.

The prayers mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Joho praised the ongoing multi-agency security operations in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu aimed at curbing insecurity linked to criminal gangs and suspected terrorists.

In Kwale, a gang known as ‘Panga Boys’ has, in recent weeks, unleashed terror in Ukunda, Diani, attacking, injuring, and robbing residents in broad daylight.

During a security operation, 150 suspected members of the gang were arrested, and bloodstained machetes recovered. The suspects are set to be arraigned in court on Tuesday.

In Mombasa, County Commissioner Mohamed Noor reported that 50 juvenile gang members were arrested for attacking locals and tourists in the high-crime areas of Likoni and Kisauni.

Authorities also recovered stolen motor vehicles—some from as far as Nairobi—alongside motorcycles, car parts, and jewellery during operations in Likoni, Bamburi, and Utange. 

Beyond juvenile gangs in Kwale and Mombasa, tensions have escalated between two tribes along the Kilifi-Tana River border over grazing rights.

In Lamu, a multi-agency security team has yet to make any arrests after over 100 remnants of Al-Shabaab militants held Kiunga village in Mangai, Lamu East, hostage for several hours.

A fortnight ago, militants briefly took over the Mangai Border Police Unit while lecturing locals on the Quran.

Joho and Mombasa County Speaker Aharub Khatri, who led hundreds of Muslim faithful in prayers at Tononoka Grounds, warned criminals that their days were numbered.

“Life never forgets—just like the internet. The decisions you make today will shape your future. Fifteen years from now, you don’t want to live with regret,” Joho told the youth.

A section of Mombasa residents who attended Idd prayers in Tononoka Grounds lauded the County Security and Intelligence Committee for beefing up security during the holy month.

“We thank the police for working tirelessly to ensure peace and tranquillity in the last days of the holy month, as cases of insecurity had emerged,” said Said Anwar, a resident.

He urged the youth to seek menial jobs to earn a living rather than engage in criminal activities.

Encouraging inclusivity

In Nakuru, the Muslim community expressed gratitude to the government for abolishing the vetting process for National Identity Cards (IDs), which had disproportionately affected marginalised communities.

During Idd celebrations, Muslim leaders noted that the restriction had long hindered many from acquiring identification documents.

Faez Ahmed, Chair of the Muslim Association in Nakuru, highlighted that the process had particularly affected residents of northern Kenya and other marginalised groups. 

“It was a very discriminatory process that fostered division, stigma, seclusion, and non-inclusion for Muslim Kenyans along with others,” said Ahmed.

He added that the vetting process led to inequality and frustration for communities such as the Somali, Nubian, Arab, and Asian Kenyans.

The vetting process, introduced in the 1990s over national security concerns, has been widely criticised as discriminatory and exclusionary.

President William Ruto, who lifted the process, declared the process unfair and discriminatory to individuals from certain religions and regions.

Additionally, Muslim leaders emphasised the importance of charity and unity.

“It is time to give to the vulnerable in society, irrespective of their religion. We also call for unity,” said businessman Mohammed Surrow.

In Samburu, Governor Jonathan Lelelit pledged to allocate land for mosques and cemeteries in every ward to ensure religious inclusivity.

“We want to ensure that all religions, including Muslims, are comfortable within this county, and we call for peace and unity,” he said.

Muslim youth leader Khalid Aziz thanked President Ruto for appointing a youth from Samburu as a Principal Secretary for Devolution.

Meanwhile, Muslims in the country remained divided over the timing of Eid Ul-Fitr prayers, with some marking the celebrations on different days.

In Nairobi, prayers were held at Jamia Mosque, Sir Ali Masjid grounds, and Eastleigh, attended by attended by hundreds of Muslims, including Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle.

Chief Kadhi Sheikh Athman Abdul Halim Hussein had earlier urged Muslims to wait for the official announcement of the sighting of the new moon before beginning celebrations.

“I appeal to all Muslims to observe patience until my office announces officially so that we can all pray Eid Ul Fitri together,” said Hussein earlier.

Muslim scholars note that Eid Al-Fitr prayers fall within a three-day window, leading to variations in celebration dates.

In Mombasa, hundreds of Muslims are expected to hold prayers today (Monday) at Ronald Ngala School Grounds, with Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, the Chief Kadhi, and several coastal politicians in attendance.

Coast Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) representative Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy urged Muslims to uphold unity and continue their devotion beyond the fasting period.

In Migori County, Deputy Imam Oscar Juma stressed the importance of peace in both Kenya and Africa, stating that peaceful coexistence fosters development.

“We need to live as one. Every believer is a brother. Let us love and help each other. Let us maintain peace. Without peace, there can be no development,” he said. 

[Reports by Philip Mwakio, Maarufu Mohamed, Daniel Chege, Michael Saitoti and Anne Atieno]