Kenya’s Compassionate Response: Supporting Gazans This Eid-ul-Adha

On April 16, 2025, a poignant scene unfolded at the Islamic University in Gaza City, where thousands of displaced Palestinians sought refuge in sprawling tents. The stark reality of their situation—an enduring testament to human suffering amidst conflict—embodies a deep humanitarian crisis. (Photo by BASHAR TALEB / AFP)

In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, Kenya’s Muslim community has pledged an impressive Ksh. 5.4 million to aid the hungry in Gaza this Eid-ul-Adha, through a heartfelt initiative known as the Gaza-Udhiya Program 2025. This campaign, propelled by the coalition Voice of Palestine—a group comprising the Jamia Mosque Committee, the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims, the National Muslim Leaders Forum, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, among others—speaks volumes about the urgency of the situation.

As we contemplate the collective effort, one cannot help but ask: What motivates communities to pull together during times of crisis? It’s in these moments that we witness humanity at its best. The initiative plans to procure cattle in Egypt, then slaughter and freeze the meat, ready to be transported back to Gaza as soon as humanitarian corridors reopen. In this intricate dance of logistics, there lies a profound act of kindness that transcends borders.

“This is not only about feeding the hungry—it is a stand against genocide and injustice,” asserts Ahmed Shariff, the Chairperson of Voice of Palestine. His words resonate as a clarion call, urging us to delve deeper into the layered nature of this crisis. While the immediate goal is to alleviate hunger, the initiative also stands as a testament to the moral duty we all share to challenge atrocities when they arise. Think about it: how often do we find ourselves grappling with feelings of helplessness in the face of global suffering?

The current situation in Gaza is harrowing, with estimates of over 52,000 lives lost, countless more missing, and over 2 million individuals displaced from their homes. These statistics, while sobering, often fail to portray the human stories behind them. Each number represents dreams shattered, families torn asunder, and lives irrevocably altered. It’s a humanitarian catastrophe that beckons a compassionate response—not just from within Kenya, but from the international community at large.

The Voice of Palestine consortium has taken it a step further, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent opening of aid corridors. They are calling upon Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto and the Parliament, to adopt a stronger diplomatic stance concerning the crisis. “This is a moment for Kenya to rise,” says Shariff, and his statement raises an essential question: What kind of legacy do we wish to leave for future generations? A legacy defined by silence or one characterized by action and empathy?

This initiative serves as more than just a financial contribution; it embodies a national message of empathy and peace. As we approach Eid-ul-Adha—a festival that traditionally emphasizes sacrifice and compassion—the Gaza-Udhiya Program stands out as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness as human beings. It offers an opportunity to embrace faith-based humanitarian efforts that can promote global solidarity, compassion, and hope.

At the heart of this endeavor lies a call to action that extends beyond borders and belief systems. The consortium has invited all Kenyans, regardless of their faith, to unite in support of Gaza, reinforcing the idea that kindness knows no boundaries. It’s an invitation to share not just resources, but also our humanity. To consider the implications of our actions, however small they may seem, becomes increasingly vital. Could one small act of kindness spark a wider movement towards change?

In an age where news often disseminates grim realities, it’s uplifting to witness a concerted response grounded in love and solidarity. Anecdotes of individuals and community groups coming together to donate, organize, or simply share the cause on social media reflect a landscape of hope. Each contribution, no matter how modest, plays a role in rebuilding lives shattered by turmoil.

As we celebrate the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha this year, let’s remember the people of Gaza. Let’s remember that our collective actions can serve as a beacon of hope in the darkest times. As Ahmed Shariff succinctly puts it, “Together, we can change the narrative.”

Let this initiative be a reminder that together, we can advocate for justice, raise our voices against oppression, and promote peace where it is desperately needed. This is our moment to act—not just for Gaza, but for the essence of humanity itself.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring.