NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 7 — Christian faithful across the country commenced Easter celebrations on Friday with calls for tolerance amid escalated rhetoric between government and opposition.
In Nairobi, Catholic faithful at the Holy Family Basilica led by members of the clergy held a peaceful procession to mark the passion of Christ, a commemoration of Jesus’ crucifixion. The procession that lasted hours saw Christians traverse roads within the city.
The event which was marked by animators recreating the long walk by Jesus Christ in the Bible and a mock crucifixion Jesus alongside the two thieves symbolized perhaps one of the most important events in the Christian calendar.
Those who spoke to Capital News called for tolerance and goodwill by the political class.
“This day symbolizes the foundation of faith, it allows us to reflect on Christ’s love for us. It teaches us tolerance and communion with one another,” said Michael Wafula, a congregant at Holy Family Basilica.
“We need to recognize the individuality of our brothers and embrace them in love. We put aside our political affiliations and our differences and embrace one another,” he stated.
Political dialogue
Wafula emphasized on the need for “dialogue, tolerance and mutual understanding”.
Said Olga Masango, a nun at the cathedral, echoed Wafula message.
“We celebrate the paschal ministry of Jesus. This is the heart of the belief of all the Christian community.”
In Kisumu, the clergy called for peace, love and humanity among Kenyans.
Father Fred Odhiambo, the priest in charge of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church led the congregation in a walk from Nyalenda to the church compound in Milimani.
“We leave in a country where love for one another is shrinking, let’s use this Easter Celebrations to rejuvenate the love for one another,” Father Odhiambo said.
Father Karoli Omondi of Nyawita Catholic Church emphasized on peace in the country in the wake of calls for dialogue to resolve grievances raised by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
In Nakuru, hundreds of Catholics thronged clothes shops in a last minute shopping for white clothes and scarves for those who will be baptized on Easter Saturday.
Another lot that is also required to wear while clothes and scarves is those who will be receiving the Holy Eucharist for the first time during the Eucharistic Mass.
Most clothes shops ran out of white dresses and shirts for children aged between 10 and 15 years.
Mary Khasandi, a mother whose two children are being Christened this holiday, said she had moved to three shops in search of a dress for her daughter in vain.
