Dubat Amey, the Kenya Livestock Marketing Council chair speaking to the press./STEPHEN ASTARIKO




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Garissa town was a hive of activity on Thursday as Muslim faithful thronged markets and shopping centers in preparation for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations to mark the end of Ramadan.

Families streamed into the central business district from early morning, crowding retail shops, open-air markets, and roadside stalls to buy food items, clothing, and other essentials for the festive occasion.

A spot check at the Garissa livestock market showed faithful buying animals to be slaughtered.

Traders reported brisk business as residents sought to make the most of the final hours before the holiday.

“I have been moving from shop to shop since morning, trying to get everything ready for my children. It is always important for us to celebrate Eid specially, even if times are hard,” said Ambia Hussein, a mother of five.

The mood across the town blended excitement with reflection, as many faithful expressed gratitude for the strength to complete the month-long fast.

Most residents said their prayers during Ramadhan centred on spiritual growth, forgiveness, and divine acceptance.

Hussein Loka thanked God for granting them peace during Ramadhan. He called on residents to maintain the peace throughout.

“We thank Allah for allowing us to observe Ramadhan. Our prayer is that He accepts our fasting, our charity, and all our acts of worship during this holy month,” Hussein said.

Even as they prepared for celebrations, some residents lamented the rising cost of living, saying it has become increasingly difficult to meet basic needs, let alone afford new clothes and special meals traditionally associated with Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.

“Life has become very expensive,” said Ibrahim Hussein. “In the past, we could easily buy new clothes for our children during Eid. Now, even getting food is a challenge. We just do what we can.”

For many in Garissa, the rising cost of living has been worsened by the hardship caused by drought.

A number of residents used the moment to call for divine intervention in the face of worsening environmental conditions.

Kenya Livestock Marketing Council chairman Dubat Amey prayed for sufficient rainfall to restore vegetation and sustain their livestock, which form the backbone of the local economy.

He said hundreds of livestock have perished due to drought, leaving many families struggling.

“Livestock is the backbone of this region's economy. The drought has really taken a toll on us. We have lost many animals and we are asking Allah to bless us with more rain. We really want it,” Amey said.

The government on Wednesday declared Friday, March 20, a public holiday to allow Muslims across the country to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr.

A livestock trader offloads his cow from a car at the Garissa livestock market. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Hussein Loka, a resident speaking to the press at the Garissa livestock market where he had gone to purchase a goat to be slaughtered for his family  during the celebrations. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO