Quiet Easter: Christians mark Good Friday as businesses face subdued activity

In Nairobi, after hours of walking the Stations of the Cross, Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo urged believers to carry the spirit of Christ into their daily lives.

“As we return to our homes, let us carry with us a spirit of thanksgiving to God and a commitment to serve His children.”

In Mombasa, Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva urged Kenyans to embrace love, unity and compassion, saying the country urgently needs healing amid growing economic and social challenges.

“We are praying for a country where we love each other. Youth, avoid getting used to cause destruction. Let us work to ensure there is stability, peace, and unity,” he said.

He also cautioned against divisions based on religion, saying that while Kenya is home to many faiths, citizens must focus on shared values rather than differences.

“We should not let our different religions divide us. We are one; we all believe in God. Let’s not discriminate against each other,” he added.

On governance, the Archbishop said the misappropriation of public funds is a major obstacle to development.

He expressed concern about the worsening economic situation saying many households are struggling to afford basic needs. “Our economy is not appealing. Prices of basic commodities have soared,” he said.

Reflecting on the significance of Good Friday, he urged Christians to not only meditate on Jesus’ suffering and resurrection but also show empathy to those enduring hardship in society.

“As we remember the pain and sacrifice of Jesus, we are reminded of the hardships many people go through daily. We should walk with them,” he said.

The Archbishop called for greater solidarity with those grieving or facing life’s burdens, urging Kenyans to offer comfort and support where they can.

In Elburgon, Nakuru County, Fr Vincent Marube said the Lenten season had been a time of prayer and support for vulnerable families.

“During the 40 days of Lent, we have been praying and assisting needy families. I urge our leaders to make sacrifices for the good of the country and to protect our Constitution,” he said.

It was business as usual in Nyahururu town, with operations running as usual. Traders and matatu operators lamented about poor business compared to previous festive seasons.

“We expected booming business but as you can see, there is minimal movement of people. There hasn’t been an increase in passengers like in previous years,” said Daniel Ng’ang’a, a matatu driver.

The situation was similar in eateries and entertainment joints, which recorded a low numbers of customers.

“We had already predicted low sales based on our experience during last year’s Christmas season. People no longer travel to rural areas like they used to. Everyone is facing tough economic times and the situation has been worsened by increased school fees in public schools,” said Raphael Njuguna, proprietor of Dolphins Hotel in Nyandarua.

In the North Rift, controversy surrounding alleged organ trafficking dominated Good Friday church events with clerics criticising the government over an alleged cover up of the scandal.

Read: Government probe implicates Mediheal Hospital in organs trafficking

Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich said high taxation, poverty, oppression and greed were driving many people into illegal trade in human organs.

“The greed for money is destroying our country and that is not the path we should take. God wants a peaceful and united nation where every person is respected not what we are witnessing now,” he said.

“We cannot allow human organ trafficking to continue in our country. We urge those entrusted with leadership to address the plight of the marginalised and the poor.”

The Eldoret-based Mediheal Fertility and Transplant Centre has been implicated in suspicious kidney transplants involving foreign recipients, procedures that allegedly put the lives of many Kenyans and other vulnerable people in danger.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has since suspended two doctors who led a technical team that investigated the hospital in December 2023 and has ordered fresh investigations into the alleged organ trafficking at the facility.

“Illegal harvesting of human organs is the consequence of a lack of planning and failure to ensure equality in society. A nation is judged by how it treats those without resources, the sick, the poor and the oppressed,” Bishop Kimengich added.

In Trans Nzoia County, Christians from various denominations expressed hope and confidence for a better future despite the rising cost of living.

Bishop Benjamin Tarus of the African Inland Church (AIC) Kitale encouraged Kenyans to focus on their well-being and work hard to support their families.

“We are praying for peace and cohesion. We ask the political class to respect one another and watch their language when speaking on public platforms,” said Bishop Tarus.

In West Pokot County, many churches were filled.

Redeemed Gospel Church Pastor Robert Nato, who preached in Kapenguria, urged Kenyans to promote brotherhood and not allow evil to divide the nation.

Makutano Parish Priest Father Ignatius Oroni emphasised forgiveness, unity and mutual support. “We should not be like Judas Iscariot. We must embrace forgiveness and help one another in times of need,” he said.

In Kisumu, Father Fredrick Odhiambo urged Kenyans to embrace peace, love and reconciliation during the Easter period, emphasising the need for unity within families and communities.

He called on families to mend broken relationships and coexist peacefully.

“Let families reconcile with one another. Let families bring peace. What we need to learn in our country is how to co-exist with one another. There should be no jealousy because one is progressing,” he said.

“We must reject the power of darkness, the evil that brings division, and choose to be reconciled.”

Father Odhiambo said forgiveness and reconciliation are central to strengthening families and building a better society.

In Siaya, worshippers converged at different churches to celebrate Good Friday, with clergy calling on leaders to exercise restraint in their speeches.

Apostle Elijah Onyango of Jesus Shalom Ministries called on people to turn back to God for resolutions.

“It is that wonderful time that we must do self-reflection and seek God. The problems that we have will be solved if we seek wisdom from God,” he said. “Let this day remind us of the love that God had for us and we replicate the same love to others.”

Anne Odhiambo, a member of the Catholic Church, said it is time for leaders to work together for the good of the country.

“We don’t want a repeat of June 25, 2024, when young people stormed into the parliamentary building. Let the leaders involve the young and the old alike in running the affairs of the country,” she said.

In Homa Bay, following a procession led by Father Romanus Ageng’a of St. Paul’s Catholic Parish, faithful called for peaceful coexistence and political tolerance.

Mr Jacob Nyumba said Kenya is currently facing challenges due to disunity.

“The church should take the lead in ensuring that we are all united. Unity is the foundation of development in any county. Investors will not put their money in a place where leaders are against each other,” he said.

Mr Nyumba said that embracing peace would allow the country to approach the 2027 elections without difficulties.

“A lot of economic challenges normally arise as we approach campaign seasons. Let the upcoming election be different in that everyone is given an opportunity to seek votes without being attacked by others,” he said.

In Nyeri, Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria urged the faithful to embody the spirit of Good Friday by showing compassion and resilience in challenging times.

Speaking during the procession, Anne Gitau, one of the participants, said she has prayed for peace and economic stability in Kenya.

"We are here not just to remember Christ’s suffering, but also to seek divine intervention for our country’s challenges," she said.

Reported by Waikwa Maina, Mishi Gongo, John Njoroge, Barnabas Bii, Evans Jaola, Oscar Kakai, Domnic Ombok, Kassim Adinasi, George Odiwuor, Daniel Ogetta and Mercy Mwende.