By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
21 November 2025 – Hundreds of Muslims in Banisa town, Mandera County, on Friday converged for Salatul Istisqaa, the Islamic prayer for rain, amid a worsening drought that has devastated livelihoods across the region.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif joined residents at the open prayer ground, just moments after the Friday prayers, where they participated in the special congregational prayer performed when rainfall is critically delayed.
In a statement posted on his official X account, the governor said, “I joined residents of Banisa town for Salatul Istisqaa, as the drought situation in our county continues to affect the livelihoods of our people.”
The two-rak’ah prayer, led by local imams, was followed by a sermon in which the congregation sought divine intervention.
“May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant us a beneficial, enriching and pleasant rain,” Governor Khalif added.
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Mandera is one of several counties in northern Kenya currently experiencing severe drought.
Similar Istisqaa prayers have been held in recent weeks across North Eastern counties as communities turn to faith while awaiting government and humanitarian assistance.
On 8 November 2025, hundreds of Muslim residents in Wajir gathered at Orahey Grounds to implore Allah for rainfall, as a relentless dry spell continues to devastate the arid region. The event, organised by local religious leaders, underscored the desperation felt across the county, where parched landscapes have led to dwindling water sources and the loss of vital pastures for livestock.
