Revelers turn to Naivasha for Christmas

By Antony Gitonga

NAIVASHA, KENYA:  Naivasha played host to thousands of revelers who could not make it to Kenya’s Coast for Christmas holiday.

Dubbed as the second Coast, the town lived to its reputation attracting local and international tourists over the festive season.

Amid tight security in major hotels around the lakeside town the families were treated to fun, music and food as they celebrated in different ways.

The families told of their joy as they celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ noting that 2013 was a better year compared to last year which was full of politics.

In Crayfish camp which is located next to Lake Naivasha it was a fun filled day as families made merry and mingled.

According to the hotel CEO Peter Mehta ninety percent of the visitors were local tourists while the others were foreigners.

Mehta attributed the high number of visitors to the town to prevailing peaceful conditions and improved security in the region.

"We are fully booked and this has been one of the busiest year for hoteliers and we thank security officers for a job well done," he said.

A reveler Florence Muchiri said that the celebrations were one way of ending a year that had various economic challenges.

"We thank the lord for bringing us this far and I wish all Kenyans a blessed and merry Christmas and a happy 2014," she said.

Twelve year old Sarah Nyambura told of her joy as she joined her family in celebrating the day which she termed as the best this year.

"This is one of the best holidays ever and we are having a lot of fun as we prepare to usher the new year before heading back to school," she said.

Some revelers however took issue with the 'Mututho laws' saying that they were infringing on their rights and called for their amendment.

Families present were treated to sumptuous meals, swimming, horse riding, bouncing castles, face painting and entertained by acrobats.