KENYA–The Kenyan judiciary has reinstated Moi Day amid celebrations from Kenyans who are known for their love for holidays.
The High Court said on Wednesday that October 10 will be a public holiday as its nullification contravened the Public Holidays Act.
Justice George Odunga, however, did not specify how the holiday should be celebrated and left the matter to Parliament and the Interior ministry.
Kenya had been marking the holiday since 1988, when President Daniel arap Moi marked 10 years in power but it was scrapped in 2010.
The constitution recognises only three public holidays: Madaraka Day (June 1), Mashujaa Day (October 20) and Jamhuri Day (December 12).
The restored holiday saw some citizens on social media say Kenya is a country of holidays, with some calling for the backdate of all of the days so that Kenyans rest for 7 days.
Johny Demands, a teacher, said: “Moi Day was good. He was in charge and we felt safer than we do today. He deserves a day dedicated to him.”
Yishai Yishai said it would only be fair for acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to declare a week-long break for the seven years Moi Day was not marked.
But another Twitter user criticised the judiciary and the government saying the return of the holiday was reminiscent of “KANU’s Dark days”.
@maydouglas63′ said: “Moi Day finally back as the nation is witnessing the recurrence of dark days from past regimes.”
