Leaders in Wajir County on Wednesday joined hundreds of Muslim faithful at the Hodhan Primary School playground in Wajir Town for Eid al-Adha prayers, using the occasion to rally residents ahead of the county’s historic hosting of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.
The Eid prayers brought together political leaders, religious figures, elders, and residents in a display of unity and shared purpose as the region prepares for one of the most significant national events in its history. Leaders described the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations as a turning point for the county and the wider North Eastern region, marking the first time the national event will be hosted in Wajir.
Addressing worshippers after the prayers, county leaders urged residents to come out in large numbers on June 1 to welcome President William Ruto, who is expected to lead the celebrations at the newly constructed Wajir International Stadium.
The leaders said hosting Madaraka Day in Wajir is not only a national honour but also recognition of the region’s progress, resilience, and growing importance within Kenya’s social, economic, and political landscape. For decades, the North Eastern region remained largely marginalised in national events and development conversations, making this year’s celebrations a symbolic milestone for many residents.
They noted that the event presents an opportunity for the county to showcase its culture, hospitality, development, and unity to the rest of the country. Residents were encouraged to participate peacefully and proudly in the celebrations, which are expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Kenya.
Beyond the celebrations, leaders also called on residents to embrace social responsibility by maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment within the town and surrounding areas. They urged business owners, youth groups, and households to work together in ensuring Wajir remains clean and welcoming ahead of the national event.
Religious leaders echoed the same message during their sermons, emphasizing that Eid al-Adha is not only a time for sacrifice and celebration but also an opportunity to strengthen values of unity, compassion, peace, and responsibility within society.
Local sheikhs reminded worshippers that maintaining peace should remain a continuous commitment beyond religious festivities. They stressed the importance of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among communities as essential pillars for social harmony and development.
The clerics also highlighted the connection between environmental cleanliness and civic pride, saying a clean community reflects discipline, self-respect, and collective responsibility. They encouraged residents to take ownership of their surroundings and contribute positively toward the image of the county as it hosts guests from across the nation.
Their sermons served as a powerful reminder of the values that unite communities, encouraging faithful Muslims to celebrate Eid with goodwill, generosity, and a spirit of togetherness.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Abdullahi dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging divisions among Wajir leaders ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations. Speaking during the Eid prayers at Hodhan Primary School, the governor termed the reports false and misleading.
Ahmed said all Members of Parliament and county leaders from Wajir are united and committed to ensuring the success of the upcoming national celebrations. He rejected suggestions that some leaders were planning to boycott the event, insisting that the county’s political leadership is working together for the benefit of residents and the success of the occasion.
The governor emphasized that Madaraka Day should not be politicized, noting that the event is a national celebration meant to unite Kenyans regardless of political affiliation or personal differences. He called on residents to ignore rumours and focus instead on preparing for the historic day.
According to the governor, hosting the celebrations in Wajir demonstrates growing confidence in the county’s ability to organize and host major national functions. He added that the occasion would help attract attention to development opportunities and investment potential within the region.
Residents who attended the Eid prayers welcomed the leaders’ calls for unity and peace, expressing optimism that the celebrations would open a new chapter for Wajir and the wider North Eastern region.
Many described the upcoming Madaraka Day event as a moment of pride for communities that have long sought greater national recognition and inclusion. Others said the event would provide an opportunity for the rest of the country to better understand the region’s culture, diversity, and development progress.
As preparations continue, anticipation remains high across the county, with local authorities intensifying arrangements for security, infrastructure, sanitation, and public participation ahead of the celebrations.
With Eid al-Adha reinforcing messages of peace, sacrifice, and unity, leaders in Wajir hope the spirit witnessed during the prayers will continue into Madaraka Day, setting the tone for a successful national celebration and a stronger sense of togetherness among residents.