Defence CS Aden Duale bids farewell to Muslim pilgrims departing for Hajj to Saudi Arabia

NAIROBI– Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has on Friday Seen off 234 members of the Muslim community who are the first group of the over 4,000 Kenyans joining other Muslims from across the World in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform this year’s 1444/2023 Hajj (Pilgrimage). Kenya Airways which launched its inaugural flight to Jeddah carried... Read More

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NAIROBI– Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has on Friday Seen off 234 members of the Muslim community who are the first group of the over 4,000 Kenyans joining other Muslims from across the World in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform this year’s 1444/2023 Hajj (Pilgrimage).

Kenya Airways which launched its inaugural flight to Jeddah carried the first batch of the pilgrims to the Gulf Nation

According to the CS, thousands of Kenyans will be in the next 7 days expected to depart from JKIA to King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jedda, Saudi Arabia aboard Kenya Airways flights.

The former Majority in the National Assembly, expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims leadership, the Embassy of the Saudi Kingdom in Kenya, Department of Immigration and Kenya Airways for the facilitating and preparing the pilgrims in a bid to observe one of their vital religious rituals.

“We thank the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims leadership, the Embassy of the Saudi Kingdom in Kenya, Department of Immigration and Kenya Airways for the smooth preparation of the pilgrims to perform their cardinal religious duty.” he said.

This evening, I was delighted to see off 234 members of the Muslim community who are the first group of the over 4,000 Kenyans joining other Muslims worldwide in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform this year's 1444/2023 Hajj (Pilgrimage) one of the pillars of Islamic religion. pic.twitter.com/rC4JuU2SPY

— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) June 16, 2023

He encouraged the pilgrims to include leaders, government and the people of Kenya in their prayers so that they may overcome the prevailing challenges.

“I urged the pilgrims to offer prayers for our leaders, government and the people of Kenya that we may have peace, stability and sufficiency despite all the prevailing challenges.” said the CS.

This year Hajj was coordinated and facilitated by the Supreme Council Of Kenya as the sole agent of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Among those present were leadership of Supkem, Saudi Arabia Deputy Ambassador and CEO of Kenya Airways Allan Kilavuka.

Hajj is one of the world’s largest annual mass gatherings as Muslim faithful travel from across the globe in a bid to fulfill their religious duty and seek Allah’s forgiveness.

This year’s season is expected to occur between 26 June – 01 July 2023.