By Magdalene Mukami

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenya’s government announced Friday that the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Adha will become a national public holiday -- a new step by the majority-Christian country.

The religious celebration was previously only observed by the Muslim community.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s office confirmed the move Friday and said Sept. 12 would be a public holiday “for all persons throughout the Republic”.

The Kenyan government said it realized the pivotal role played by religion in fostering cohesion and positive social order, and was acting in solidarity with Kenyans of the Islamic faith.

Kenyatta’s office urged all Kenyans from diverse faiths in the East African country to “share in celebrating that auspicious holy day together with our Muslim brothers and sisters; on a day that celebrates sacrifice and unwavering obedience to the greater good”.