the world are expected to attend this year's Lamu Maulidi celebrations scheduled to start on Lamu Island from March 24.Maulidi is held annually in Lamu island and is in its 120th year. It also attracts faithful from as far as Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, East Africa and other African countries.The event is organised by Riyadha Mosque and Islamic Centre whose co-ordinator, Muhdhar Shariff Abdulrahman Khitamy yesterday released the celebrations programme.For the first time after three years, the organising committee has lifted a ban on politicians from being invited to the celebrations. This time, the Minister for Transport, Mr Chirau Ali Makwere has been invited to be the Chief Guest.Khitamy said the festival opens with Quran recitation and memorisation on March 24 at Islamic Centre. The following day, there will be lectures by prominent Muslim scholars on the theme, "Education and Developmet" at Lamu Fort. The organising committee, in collaboration with the Lamu Museum, have organised cultural activities to take place at Riyadha Mosque open ground on March 25. Spiritual lectures are to be held after evening prayers at Riyadha Mosque.Mr Khitamy said they have organised special forums for march 26 and 27 where many prominent people and scholars are expected to give lectures. Lecturers expected in Lamu include professors Mohammed Said Abdalla, Mohammed S Rajab and Khalfan Mazrui, and doctors Abdalla Khatib, Sheikh Abdulrahman Mwinyifaki and Sheikh Athman Mujahid. Others expected to also give lectures are Sheikh Murshid Ali, Sheikh A Latif Abdulkarim, Ms Khadija Karim and Sheikhul Biitha.Mr Khitamy also confirmed that arrangements have been finalised for a free medical camp sponsored jointly by Kenya Red Cross Society and Riadha Health & Welfare Service that will take place at Ma’had Riadha on March 26. Operations are to be held at the Lamu District Hospital. Free Medical services, including specialised clinics by medical consultants, dental clinics eye and general surgeries as well as free medicines will be available for three days The grand Maulidi will be held at Riyadha Mosque and open ground from 8-11 p.m. on March 25. Women have special places outside the Mosque. The climax of the celebrations is the homage (ziara) to the tomb of Habib Swaleh Jamalillayl, the founder of Riyadha Mosque and the Lamu Maulidi at Langoni Muslim Cemetery. Later, Muslims hold demonstration (zefe) from the cemetery to Riyadha Mosque where special prayers are held to officially end the celebrations.Some Muslims remain behind to attend homage to the tomb of a former prominent scholar, Sayyid Ahmad Mohammad Adnan at Langoni Muslim Cemetery on March 28