Thousands mark Christmas in churches, nightclubs in Nairobi

By ABIGAEL SUM

Kenya: Thousands of people from all walks of life came out to celebrate the most anticipated day in the Christian calendar.

In Nairobi, Christmas celebrations started on the night of December 24 as Kenyans ushered in the festive season with pomp and style. Many thronged churches and entertainment spots.

Various nightclubs were filled to capacity while some chose to spend their time in church giving thanks.

Christian faithful flocked to various churches in step with tradition to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

“It is one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar and what better way to celebrate than to fellowship with other Christians, sing Christmas carols and celebrate the birth of the saviour in our hearts,” said Mary Okoth after a Christmas mass at the Holy Family Basilica.

Church leaders sent out messages of peace and reconciliation and urged Kenyans to avoid divisive politics as well as be responsible while on the road to avoid road accidents.

Uhuru Park

Uhuru Park was one of the many places Nairobi residents congregated with family and friends for recreation, as it is the most pocket friendly venue.

“Going home to Kitale was very expensive since the fare was hiked. So i decided to come to Uhuru Park to have a good time and celebrate Christmas with my family,” said Ben Wafula.

For Children there were lots of goodies and a flurry of activities available at Lunar Park. Candies, face painting, balloons, bouncing castles, boat, carmel, and horse riding among other activities. There was hardly space to move around.

The heavy security at the park could not deter the kids from having the time of their lives.

For others, work commitment kept them in Nairobi but they still found a way to be merry.

“I am working during this festive season and so I could not travel to my rural home. However, I still had to have a good time that is why I am here with my friends to eat nyama choma, drink and just have a good time,” said James Kimani  who was with friends at Nyama Villa entertainment joint in Kayole.

Others like local Musician Jaguar spread the Christmas cheer at the Industrial Area Prison where he spent the day with prisoners, sharing a meal and donating toiletries, foodstuff as well as bailing out five petty traffic offenders.

However, for some the day was not a merry Christmas as they were left stranded following a Government ban on night travel. This left many devastated, as they could not spend Christmas with their families as they planned.

 “Banning night travel will not resolve road carnage. What it has done is deny us the opportunity to spend Christmas with our families and relatives,” noted Sylvia Moraa.

Long-distance public transport vehicles travelling from 6pm to 6am are expected to get a licence from National Safety and Transport Authority.