Low key Easter as high cost of living, fuel shortage dampen spirit of celebration

Travellers to Kisii and Nyamira stranded at Machakos Countrybus due to fuel shortage. [David Gichuru, Standard]

Christians thronged churches yesterday to mark Easter Friday in a low key event dampened by fuel shortage and rising cost of living.

Unlike in previous years where Kenyans jammed bus stages to travel during Easter celebrations, the Machakos Bus Terminus in Nairobi was deserted.

Duncan Omari, a civil servant in Nairobi said he was planning to travel upcountry to spend the holidays with family but changed his mind.

"I cannot fuel my car, the children have been pushing me to take them home in Kisii but the situation is tough. We will spend the holiday in the house," he said.

"The schools will also be opening soon. That is why I decided not to travel to save a little for school fees and uniform," added Omari.

Wycliffe Lihanda, in charge of Msamaria Mwema buses at Machakos Bus terminus said:

“Kenyans don’t have money. At the same time, the country is still experiencing fuel problems. That is why Machakos Country bus is deserted.”

He said long-distance buses have been wasting time lining up in petrol stations making some investors stop operations.

Few available buses were charging Sh1,600 from Nairobi to Kisumu unlike normal days where they charge Sh1,000.

At the Nyamakima stage, matatu operators doubled fares for passengers heading to Nakuru, Nyahururu, Naivasha and Molo.

Ali Mbugua who is in charge of Murang'a Shuttle said business was low compared to previous Easters.

 "This is the worst Easter holidays compared to other years. The number of people traveling to upcountry is low," said Mbugua.

The shuttle usually charges Sh200 from Nairobi to Murang'a but had been forced to adjust to Sh250 as its fleet had reduced from 50 a day to 20 due to fuel scarcity.

Those traveling to Nakuru were forced to part with Sh800 and other Saccos were charging Sh1,000.  Those headed to Nyahururu were forced to part with Sh800

Passengers heading to Eldoret and Kitale were forced to part with Sh2,500 or more.

Entertainment joints also recorded low business.

Speaking during the Good Friday Celebrations, Fr George Munyaka, the Catholic Administrator, Christ the King Cathedral Nakuru, said Kenyans have been suffering over the last few years.

He criticised politicians for what he termed as selfishness and deserting the citizens once they are elected to the office.

“The government should put its house in order and address the fuel crisis issue once and for all,” said Fr Munyaka.

Catholic faithful in Mombasa marked the start of Easter holiday with prayers for a peaceful election on August 9. The clerics also warned politicians against using the youth to cause chaos. 

Mombasa Catholic Archdiocese Vicar General, Fr Armogast Mdawida said leaders should stop inciting the youth to cause violence and destroy people’s property during the electioneering period.

“Politicians should not use the youth as tools for violence and destruction. The youth are there to build Kenya and not to build selfish individuals who have no respect for the country,” said Fr Mdawida.

Fr Mdawida said politicians should be at the forefront in preaching peace and unity.

In Nyeri, Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria called on Kenyans to maintain peace and be tolerant ahead of August 9 polls.

He urged Christians to shun politics of hatred and division, saying the reason Christ died and resurrected was for mankind to attain and achieve peace.

“We cannot go back to betray Christ with a kiss of deception and appearances. God knows our heart and sees our every intention. We must learn to forgive from our heart like Christ, without seeking revenge. Our people need new lessons on God's mercy. Be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful. Then we won’t witness these hate incidents,” he said.

Meanwhile, hoteliers in Mombasa said bookings were slightly lowere than they had projected during this season.

Data from the sector revealed hotel bookings in the region had hit 80 per cent. This is, however, is below the over 95 per cent arrivals that the hoteliers had projected.

''They (our Muslim brothers and sisters) have a higher spending power and have equally embraced the holiday concept more than other denominations. Now that they are fasting, they are highly likely to be together with their families as they observe this Holy month,'' said Saiwa Holidays Managing Director Paul Kimeli Kurgat.

He called on Kenyans to use the Easter break to enjoy the many special offers with their children before schools re-open in two weeks’ time.

The Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast executive officer, Dr Sam Ikwaye, said that projections still look good but the fuel crisis could adversely affect travels.

Reports by Pkemoi Ng'enoh,  Daniel Chege, Valentine Zablon, Willis Oketch, Patrick Mwakio, Nderitu Gichure and Mactilda Mbenywe.