The security agencies will review all measures, including the current curfew in the counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Lamu and Tana River/PSCU
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 18 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed security agencies to lift the curfew imposed in parts of Northern Kenya to enable Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadhan which started on Thursday.
A statement from State House indicated that the decision was made after a meeting with top security chiefs who have been instructed to enhance security in the affected areas after lifting the night ban.
“This morning, I met my security team to review security arrangements during Ramadhan. I have instructed the Cabinet Secretary and his team to enhance security throughout the country during this holy month. I have asked him to make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that our Muslim brothers and sisters fulfil all their religious obligations without any impediment,” he said.
In this context, the security agencies will review all measures, including the current curfew in the counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Lamu and Tana River.
The Head of State further called on Muslims countrywide to be vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies during the holy month.
“In the same light, and aware that the enemies of our country may wish to exploit this season, I call upon the entire Muslim fraternity and its leadership to remain vigilant, and do everything in their power, to cooperate fully with the security agencies in order to safeguard this holy month,” he stated.
Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief.
This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The month lasts 29-30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.
While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations.
The curfew in parts of North Eastern was imposed following the Garissa University College terror attack.
Everybody in the counties affected were directed to remain indoors during the period the curfew orders were in force.
The attack at the university has led to the deaths of at over 140 students and many more nursing injuries.
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