Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has sponsored 47 Imams from underprivileged areas across Nairobi County to perform Hajj, the sacred Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. The group, which includes religious leaders from communities such as Kibera, Majengo, Maringo, and Utawala, departed from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday morning.
Governor Sakaja fully covered all travel and accommodation expenses for the clerics, enabling them to embark on what is considered one of the most spiritually significant journeys in a Muslim’s life. The Hajj pilgrimage, which occurs annually during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a mandatory act of worship for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it.
During the send-off ceremony, Chair of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, Ustadh Hassan Amin, expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s support. “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,” he stated.
Amin further highlighted that the Hajj is not just a physical journey but a deeply spiritual experience marked by humility, devotion, and reflection. “If you cannot say thank you to people who have done well by you, you cannot say thank you to Allah,” he added, emphasizing the value of gratitude in faith.
The sacred pilgrimage commemorates the trials and faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), Hajar, and their son Ismail. It is a time when Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca, reinforcing the values of equality, unity, and submission to Allah.
Governor Sakaja’s gesture has been lauded as a significant contribution to the spiritual development of Nairobi’s Muslim community, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By removing financial barriers, the governor has allowed the clerics to fulfill a lifetime religious obligation, further strengthening interfaith goodwill and promoting inclusivity within the capital city.
