Kenyans muslims on Wednesday marked the first Idd Ul Hajj public holiday.

Idd-Ul-Hajj also known as the feast of Sacrifice is an occasion held to mark the end of annual pilgrimage to Mecca and it's also a day when Muslims share with the needy in line with the tenets of the Holy Koran.

In Nairobi, Muslims from all walks of life began the day with short prayers at the Sir Ali Muslim grounds. Similar prayers were held in towns across the country.

In Mombasa, thousands of Muslim faithful thronged the Mombasa municipal stadium for prayers to mark this year's Eid Al-Adha celebrations.

Chief Khadhi Sheikh Hamid Kassim led the faithful in the annual prayers, which were offered at about 8 am this morning.

Similar prayers were also held in other open prayer grounds and various mosques in the town.  

Sheikh Kassim urged the Muslim community to turn up in large numbers during the December 27 General Elections adding that it's the cardinal duty of every voter to participate in charting the course of the nation. 

He cautioned the youth against engaging in campaign violence in the lead up to the poll saying such acts would damage the image of our nation.

Sheikh Kassim urged the faithful to be mindful of the welfare of the less fortunate members of the society and share and distribute whatever resources they can afford with them during this season of the Eid Al-Adha festivities which usually lasts for three days.

During this prayer period Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid Al-Adha by slaughtering animals to commemorate prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on God's command.

While addressing a delegation of Coast Province Muslim religious leaders including imams, sheiks and Madrassa teachers at State House Mombasa early last month, President Mwai Kibaki directed that Idd-Ul-Hajj be a public holiday and further instructed the Attorney-General to make the necessary legal amendments to make it a national day.