Low-key Good Friday amid tough economic times, churches call for action on corruption

Catholic faithful from St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Kisumu enact various steps Jesus underwent before crucifixion which is apart of The way of the Cross, a traditional devotion in honour of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. [Michael Mute, Standard] Kenyans across the country yesterday convened in churches to mark Good Friday as the Easter celebrations began. Unlike in the past, when families would throng leisure joints to mark the day, the event was low-key in several towns, with traders reporting low business. This happened as the Church urged the government to address the runaway corruption in public offices, as well as tackle the high cost of living. The clergy also urged President William Ruto to stop what they termed as early campaigns and rally politicians to focus on delivering services to the people. Clerics further appealed to leaders to shun divisive politics and embrace political tolerance in the spirit of the Easter celebrations. "We urge them (leaders) to stop being bad examples of hatred and bitter exchanges. We should not resort to political fights while the public suffers and languishes without food," said Nairobi Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo. "Let us come together and help the people through leadership given to us by God," he added, urging leaders to abandon selfish interests and concentrate on their mandates. Anyolo's sentiments were echoed by All Saints' Cathedral Provost Evans Omollo, who called on leaders to tone down political rhetoric. "Good Friday invites us, as the top leadership of this country, to recognise that we don't need to hate each other, abuse each other, or fight each other, because we all belong to one country - Kenya," he said. "We call on the political leadership to tone down political rhetoric, especially that which involves insulting each other, name-calling, or discriminating against other people, communities, or regions, so that in the spirit of Good Friday, we may all come together." He implored Kenyans to reflect on their relationships with others and seek reconciliation where differences exist. The clerics called on Kenyans to emulate the life of Jesus Christ by reconciling with one another and fostering harmonious relationships. "But further, Good Friday is a stark reminder to each one of us that we are to live in peace and harmony, because what Good Friday does is bring humanity and God back together," stated Omollo. In Kakamega, Western Region Clergy Association Chairman Samwel Welimo urged the Head of State to halt early campaigns and prioritise addressing the issues at hand. "We have seen the President moving around inspecting and launching development projects, and it is confusing-we don't know whether it's a development tour or a political one. We want him and other leaders to stop early campaigns," said Welimo. Catholic Bishop of Kakamega Diocese, Joseph Obanyi, urged leaders to implement sound policies aimed at uplifting lives, especially in the areas of the economy, health, and education. "Many Kenyans are suffering and have lost faith due to prevailing conditions such as a struggling economy. Our leaders and government should put in place measures and policies that help people economically and stop dividing Kenyans along ethnic lines for their selfish interests," said Obanyi. In Mombasa, Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva criticised the government for the slow pace in addressing corruption and called on responsible agencies to be more aggressive in tackling the vice. The archbishop said corruption was tearing the nation apart and that agencies needed to act decisively to curb it. Speaking ahead of the Way of the Cross at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Kivuva said there had been little progress in the government's fight against corruption and that more effort was needed to eradicate it completely. "We are staring at grand corruption left, right and centre. There are government agencies supposed to fight it. Not enough is being done. Our people continue to suffer as the economy remains in poor shape," he said. The prelate said Kenyans were still struggling, with the economy not yet out of the woods, and challenged the government to provide practical solutions to tackle the many vices affecting society. In the Rift Valley, Catholic faithful in Nakuru filled the streets to mark the Way of the Cross, an event commemorating the tribulations of Jesus Christ leading to His crucifixion. Bishop Cleophas Oseso urged Christians to pray for the country and its leaders amidst the rising political temperatures. "We need to pray for our country on natural issues, and also for those we can control as human beings-such as corruption, political tolerance, and good governance," he said. He called on leaders at all levels of government to take the lead in fighting corruption in the offices they have been entrusted with. On the recent spate of killings, the bishop urged families to exercise restraint when faced with challenges. "Let us take care of our families. Let us have patience with each other. Let us embrace dialogue over violence when faced with difficulties," he said. In the Mount Kenya region and Nyanza, most residents went about their normal activities. In Nyeri, a handful of residents trickled into eateries to share meals with family, but the usual fanfare associated with the holiday was notably absent in public parks and recreational spaces. At the popular Whispers and Sungura parks near the town centre, only a few families could be seen enjoying the sunny weather-a stark contrast to previous years when the parks would be teeming with children, vendors, and music. "We decided to just come out for fresh air, but we're not spending much," said Esther Muthoni, a Nyeri resident who was at the park with her two children. "Times are hard, and this Easter, we're just thankful to be together," she added. James Mwangi said that, unlike previous years, he would not be travelling upcountry for Easter due to financial constraints. "Things are tough. I couldn't afford the fare this time round, so I just sent a few coins to my mother to buy something small for the occasion. Most of my friends have made similar decisions to stay in town and work through the holiday," he said. A walk through the town's major hotels and local restaurants painted a mixed picture-those offering affordable meals saw few patrons, while high-end spots reported slow business. In Kisumu, unlike in previous years when travellers would throng the bus park to head to rural areas, only a few people were travelling. Some said their travel had nothing to do with the festivities. "How can you celebrate in these difficult times? I'm a civil servant, and I'm only travelling home because I need to see my sick mother," said Lawrence Ouko, a teacher. At St Joseph's Catholic Church in Kisumu, Father Fred Odhiambo urged families to embrace love, unity, and kindness. In Migori County, Felistas Akinyi, who attended Mass at Ombo Mission Catholic Church, said she would gather with her family to reflect on the 40 days of fasting. Bishop Benjamin Tarus of the A.I.C. Kitale Area Council delivered a message of reflection, unity, and responsibility, urging believers to live out the values of Easter in both faith and action. He described Easter not just as a time for celebration, but as a profound opportunity for self-examination. "This is a day of deep spiritual significance. It reminds us to live in love and reconciliation with each other, as Christ taught us. Hope, forgiveness, and love should not just be Easter messages-they should be our daily walk," said Bishop Tarus. He also addressed politicians: "Our country needs peace, cohesion, and understanding now more than ever. Let leaders lead by example. This season, we must put aside our divisions and speak the language of unity." Reports by Modachi Okumu, Amos Kiarie, Clinton Ambujo, Anne Atieno, Martin Ndiema, Kennedy Gachahi, Benard Lusigi and Philip Mwakio

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