Merry-making, prayers as thousands come out united to bid goodbye to gruelling 2024

Nairobi residents flocks recreational Uhuru park on 1st January 2025 to usher new year.city dwellers, stepped out to make memories despite the harsh economic times that denied them the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones back in the village.[Edward Kiplimo,Standard] Kenyans turned out in droves to welcome 2025, their hearts brimming with hope for brighter days ahead. As the clock ticked away the final moments of a year marked by relentless economic struggles and the painful events during anti-government protests - culminating in bloodshed and abductions -they bade farewell to 2024 with a mixture of prayer and revelry. United in the belief that better times were just around the corner, they said goodbye to 2024 in prayer houses, while others threw caution to the wind, celebrating with a shared sense of anticipation for a fresh start in 2025. In Trans Nzoia County, Governor George Natembeya urged the Kenya Kwanza administration to uphold the rule of law and called on Kenyans to stand against the unlawful abduction of youths across the country. "The year 2024 was bad. We witnessed the killing of youths protesting against the Finance Bill by the police. Then came the abduction of youths expressing their concerns through social media. These acts are unlawful," said the governor. He reminded President William Ruto that when he was sworn into office, he was handed a sword to protect Kenyans, a symbol that should not be used to harm citizens. "The sword was not meant to kill, but to protect Kenyans. I appeal to the President to uphold the rule of law, and if offended, use lawful means to seek redress," Natembeya said yesterday at Yuya Primary School during a football tournament. Former Archbishop of the African Inland Church, Silas Yego, called for urgent interventions to combat the abductions of young Kenyans. "Despite the challenges we face as a country, we must remain grateful for the peace we have maintained. The government must act decisively to end the cases of abductions," Yego said. He also urged young people to use social media as a tool for development and national unity rather than sowing division. "Social media has immense potential, but it is heartbreaking to see it being used to spread offensive content instead of building careers and networks. Let us be responsible," he appealed. In the North Rift, calls for peace in 2025 dominated speeches as leaders led Kenyans in welcoming the New Year. In Eldoret, thousands of residents thronged various entertainment joints and churches to usher in 2025. Spectacular fireworks lit the skies. Local and international artistes, including Tanzania's Rose Muhando and Emmy Kosgey, entertained Kenyans at the Pamoja Concert at Eldoret Sports Club grounds. Governor Jonathan Bii of Uasin Gishu urged residents to embrace the New Year with unity and forgiveness. In Mombasa County, fireworks and live performances rocked celebrations at various spots across the Coast region as thousands of residents spent the night out in merry-making. Dazzling fireworks, blaring music and the melodious toll of church bells filled the air. It was at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday when Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and his Cabinet joined hundreds of revellers at the scenic Mama Ngina Waterfront Park for a music concert. A retinue of Mombasa's top-performing artists, including Amour Babie, Kaa La Moto, Kelechi and Kidis belted out their favourite numbers as revellers captured the moments. Dazzling fireworks lit up the skies at Mama Ngina Recreational Park, beaches, and other entertainment spots in Mombasa, where thousands of Kenyans and international visitors gathered to welcome 2025. From English Point Marina Hotel, located on the edge of the idyllic Tudor Creek, to the colourful Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa, hotels lined up spectacular end-of-year performances. Similar celebrations were witnessed at Old Mutual building, Global Trade Centre and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. In Kilifi, the county government organised a grand celebration in the Malindi tourist town, with dozens of local artists performing for thousands of revellers. More than 70 local artistes, led by Susumila, graced the occasion. In Taita Taveta County, residents ushered in the New Year with pomp and dance at entertainment joints. Some celebrated in churches. In Nakuru, fireworks lit up the skyline, while nightclubs were filled with merrymakers. James Mwangi, the manager of Space Next Door, said that despite economic challenges, the nightclub had made significant strides one year after opening. Paul Mutemi, a businessman in the town, said the year had been challenging due to the economic crunch. "President Ruto should ensure that youths are safe to do their business, and those who were abducted are returned home safely," he said. Comedian Professor Hamo was the MC at the Sarova Woodlands Hotel in Nakuru, where a dinner dance was attended by guests from around the world. The hotel's general manager, Duncan Mwangi, reported a 95 per cent occupancy rate. "Today (New Year's eve) we had 1,000 guests, compared to 500 last year. We hope for even better numbers in 2025," he said. At the Jacaranda Sports Grill, live bands and local DJs led the entertainment, which culminated in a darts championship. "As a sporting centre, we also wanted to entertain our guests, with winners of the darts championships walking away with cash prizes," said Peter Kinyanjui, the director. In Maralal, Samburu County, 2025 was welcomed through cultural and traditional celebrations. Families displayed ethnic attire and engaged in sporting activities aimed at campaigning against teenage pregnancies drugs and substance abuse. [Reports by Lynn Kolongei, Martin Ndiema Obare Osinde, Philip Mwakio, Patrick Beja, Nehemiah Okwembah, Daniel Chege, Ben Ahenda, Michael Saitoti and Renson Mnyamwezi]

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