Ruto’s heartfelt message as Kenyans celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr

President William Ruto/PCS

President William Ruto has joined Muslims in celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to sacrifice, prayer, reflection, and charity.

In a message posted on his official X account on Friday, the President urged citizens to embrace the values of faith, unity, and gratitude, which the festival embodies.

“We join the Muslim community in celebrating Eid ul-Fitr following the sacred month of Ramadan, a time of sacrifice, devotion, prayer, charity, and reflection,” the President said.

“May all acts of worship be accepted, hearts renewed and strengthened, and the spirit of faith continue to guide us and our nation. May this occasion bring peace to our hearts, harmony to our communities, and renewed hope for our nation. Eid Mubarak.”

The message comes a day after the government formally declared Friday, March 20, 2026, a public holiday to allow Kenyans to observe the festival.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a Gazette notice on Wednesday evening under the Public Holidays Act, noting that the holiday is for the general public to mark Idd-ul-Fitr.

Idd-ul-Fitr is one of the most important religious celebrations for Muslims worldwide.

It signals the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, daily prayers, reflection, and charitable acts.

The festival begins with a special congregational prayer held in mosques or open grounds shortly after sunrise, followed by festivities that include family gatherings, sharing meals, giving to charity, and spending time with loved ones.

For Muslims, this day comes after a month of spiritual discipline, self-restraint, and devotion, which typically lasts 29 to 30 days depending on the sighting of the new moon that marks the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

The observance provides an opportunity for communities to come together, foster forgiveness, strengthen bonds, and extend generosity to the less fortunate.

It is a time for reconciliation, gratitude, and extending kindness, values that are central to Islamic teachings.

As families gather across the country, the day serves not only as a spiritual milestone but also as a moment to reinforce social cohesion, compassion, and shared hope for the future.

Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in Kenya this year offer a moment of reflection, charity, and community spirit, continuing the traditions that bind Muslims while reminding all citizens of the values of faith, generosity, and national unity.