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By Mbarak Abucheri, May 27, 2025.
Kenyan Muslims departed for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage, marking the beginning of a significant spiritual journey in fulfillment of the fifth pillar of Islam.
A group of 350 pilgrims were seen off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by families, friends, officials from the Saudi Arabian Embassy, and representatives from the Kenya Hajj Mission under the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).
Another group of 300 Muslims were also seen off at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa by families and relatives. In Nairobi, the departure event was officiated by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who flagged off the pilgrims.
Addressing the attendees, CS Duale wished the pilgrims well and emphasized the importance of this spiritual journey.
CS Duale urged the pilgrims to offer prayers for the country’s leadership, government, and the people of Kenya, for peace and stability to prevail. “I extend my sincere gratitude to the Kenyan Government, through the State Department of Immigration, for facilitating passport applications and issuance, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and the Saudi Embassy in Kenya for ensuring timely issuance of Hajj visas,” said CS Duale.
SUPKEM Chairman Hassan Ole Naado praised the Hajj agents for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the Kenya Hajj Mission met its goals and complied with the regulations set by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “On behalf of the leadership and membership of Kenya Hajj Mission under the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUP KEM), I sincerely thank our respected brothers and sisters for their tireless work to ensure the mission achieves its mandate and goals,” Ole Naado stated.
The first batch of Kenyan pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia and landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Sunday, where they were received by Kenya’s Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Aden Mohamud Mohamed.
Officials from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) led by Secretary-General Abdullahi Salat were also present to welcome the Kenyan pilgrims. This year, a total of 4,500 Kenyans are expected to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage.
At the same time, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has sponsored a group of 47 Imams from underprivileged areas in the City County, on their journey to Makkah to perform Hajj – the sacred Islamic pilgrimage.
The Imams departed the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, on Monday morning, marking a significant spiritual milestone in their lives. Sakaja covered all travel and accommodation costs for the Muslim religious leaders.
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Speaking during the send-off, Chair of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, Ustadh Hassan-Al Amin, emphasised the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
“We are privileged by Allah to go and worship Him. We thank the Governor for his gesture in supporting this group. This is an honour and an important journey for every Muslim,” Amin said.
He added that Hajj is not merely a physical journey, but a profound act of humility, devotion and reflection that reinforces the core tenets of Islam and the unity of the global Muslim community.
“If you cannot say thank you to people who have done well by you, you cannot say thank you to Allah. That is why we are grateful for the Governor’s gesture in helping us embark on this important journey,” he said.
The group of imams came from various parts of Nairobi, including Kibera, Majengo, Maringo and Utawala, among others
Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it.
