Respect Kenyans' right to speak freely, State told on Palm Sunday

Kakamega St Joseph Cathedral Catholic faithful led by Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe during a procession in Kakamega town to mark Palm Sunday, on April 13, 2025. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard] Christians across the globe marked Palm Sunday on April 13, 2025, with clergy in Kenya calling on the government to uphold citizens' rights to freedom of expression. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates the day Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, greeted by crowds waving palm branches. At Nairobi's All Saints Cathedral, Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya condemned last week's use of teargas on unarmed Butere Girls High School students in Nakuru during the National Drama Festivals. He stressed the importance of freedom of speech and democratic values, reminding the nation that every Kenyan holds the right to express themselves. "Our young daughters from Butere Girls were denied a platform and were intimidated. They couldn't perform at the festival. The use of teargas was unwarranted. These are innocent, talented girls-we ought to treat them as our own children," said Archbishop Ole Sapit. The Cathedral was filled with children, youth, and the elderly, who turned up in large numbers to take part in the joyous procession, singing songs of praise while waving palm branches. "This week offers a moment for self-reflection-to allow Jesus Christ to enter our hearts, transforming us into individuals capable of contributing positively to our nation," the Archbishop added. He encouraged the faithful, and Kenyans more broadly, to show generosity to the needy in keeping with the spirit of Christ's sacrifice. The Archbishop also appealed to national leaders, urging them to become ambassadors of love and peace during the Easter season and to avoid rhetoric that incites division, particularly at public events and political rallies. Among the congregation was 27-year-old Moffat Murithi, who encouraged his peers to attend the Holy Week activities and engage in the upcoming stage performances planned for the week. "This is the most sacred period in our Christian calendar-a time to draw nearer to God and honour Christ, who died on the cross for us," he said. In Nakuru, during a separate Palm Sunday Mass, Catholic Bishop Cleophas Oseso echoed calls for restraint and urged the government to adopt a more tolerant approach toward its citizens as Easter approaches. Holy Family Basilica priests Fr Michael Ndichu and Fr Simon Ng'ang'a lead the faithful in marking Palm Sunday in Nairobi, on April 13, 2025. [John Muchucha, Standard] He expressed concern that rising frustration among the public was eroding the peace and stability of the country, especially in the wake of recent confrontations involving journalists and schoolchildren. "Now is the time to root out corruption and ensure every Kenyan feels secure, protected, and economically supported. The government must show understanding towards those who are disillusioned," said Bishop Oseso. He reminded his congregation that Kenya is a Christian nation and urged both leaders and ordinary citizens to live out the values of their faith by upholding moral integrity and national unity. "We must reform our values and emulate Jesus Christ in all we do. Citizens and leaders alike must realise that, without Christ, we are nothing," he stated. The bishop urged leaders to adopt a servant leadership mindset rather than acting as overlords. He emphasised the need for humility and the importance of listening to the voices of the people. "Kenyans must stay united and preserve peace. Let us love one another and intercede in prayer for our country," he said. The celebration drew hundreds of worshippers, many of whom voiced frustration over recent state actions. They called on the government to prioritise the welfare of the people. Among them was George Tanui, who said he was appalled by the events in Nakuru during the 63rd National Drama and Film Festival, where students were allegedly harassed and denied their moment to perform. "It's heartbreaking to see such brutality. Teargassing defenceless schoolgirls and attacking journalists? The government has truly crossed a line," said Tanui. Cecilia Njambi, another worshipper, urged Kenyans to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and applauded the media for consistently reporting the truth. "It's time for Kenyans to support Generation Z and hold our leaders accountable. Enough is enough," she said. "As we celebrate Easter, we dream of a country governed with justice, where our leaders care for their citizens, and where Kenyans are employed, safe, and healthy," she added. The day's events signalled the beginning of Holy Week, which culminates in Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and the celebrations of Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

Respect Kenyans' right to speak freely, State told on Palm Sunday

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Respect Kenyans' right to speak freely, State told on Palm Sunday

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