Silent night as interfaith council bans Xmas vigils

L-R: Rev. Can. Chris Kinyanjui, Archbishop Anthony Muheria, chairman Interfaith Council and Rev. Rosemary Mbogo, Interfaith Council, say churches should have clear entry and exit routes that avoid crowding at the doors and encourage people not to congregate outside places of worship. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Probably the most popular Christmas carol, Silent Night, composed in 1818 might never have been more relevant to Kenyans in past Christmases like it is now.

The song, composed by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in a small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria, best captures the mood on Christmas eve this year, usually characterised by church concerts and wild social parties.