For the second year running Kenyans are marking a ‘black Easter’. Yes, it still falls on a Sunday as has been the case over the years, but it lacks the usual fanfare, travelling to be with loved ones and merry-making.
Not only do Kenyans have to do with physical or social distance but Christians have do without the Easter church service and rituals like the ‘way of the cross’.
Like it happened last year, residents in the counties of Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, Machakos and Nakuru will have to celebrate Easter indoors and only resort to outdoor events when they can observe safety protocols. The strict containment measures against Covid-19 have rendered many jobless, especially those in entertainment and hospitality industries. This comes at a time when the Central Bank of Kenya announced the resumption of charges for mobile money transactions above Sh100. The withdrawal of these charges was one of the measures taken by the government to cushion Kenyans against the ravages of the pandemic.
These are fearful times indeed, given the pain and anxiety the virus has left in many Kenyan homes.
As if the virus is not bad enough, the government announced that close to 1.4 million Kenyans in Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo and other neighbouring counties are staring at starvation amid a maize shortage of 5.5 million bags.
But residents of Nyando, Budalang’i and Nyatike should prepare for floods while those in Murang’a, West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet are in danger of mudslides. This is a perfect picture of doom and gloom.
One is tempted to ask, how much more can a nation take?
Yet amid the confusion and pain of job losses we can find a reason to stand together. We can rekindle hope and that unique Kenyan spirit that has seen us rise in the past against atrocities like terrorism.
We can hold each other’s hand, figuratively as we seek the light at the end of the tunnel. So let’s take some time and offer words of encouragement to our neighbours and create our own sense of hope and belief.
Let’s find ways of making a difference in our families, communities and society at large.
Just as the virus is contagious, so is hope. But we should not let down our guard regarding the preventive measures. We must continue wearing mask and maintain the required social distance.
